Penn State students and fraternity members charged in alleged cocaine trafficking ring
Fourteen individuals, including 13 current or former Penn State students and a student's father, have been indicted on federal and state charges linked to a cocaine distribution operation involving Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that 14 people face charges tied to an alleged cocaine trafficking network that involved Penn State University students and two off-campus fraternities. Thirteen of the defendants were students at the university during 2023-2024, while the fourteenth, a student's father, is accused of tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.
According to the AG's office, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were identified as the primary suppliers, allegedly traveling to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine. Members of Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi are said to have cut, packaged, and distributed the drug from fraternity houses located off campus.
Additional defendants include Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, charged with felony offenses such as corrupt organization and conspiracy, as well as Robert Zanolla, who faces conspiracy and communications-facility charges. Eight other individuals, identified as student-aged, are charged with misdemeanors for possession and paraphernalia.
"This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges," Attorney General Sunday said. "In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities."
Penn State confirmed that Delta Upsilon will be placed on interim suspension while investigations continue, and noted that Sigma Chi is not a recognized campus organization. The university expressed that it is "horrified" by the allegations and pledged cooperation with law enforcement.
"Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can," said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs.
Delta Upsilon’s executive director, Justin Kirk, stated that the fraternity had been previously alerted to the alleged incidents and that individuals involved have been expelled, suspended, or resigned, and that the fraternity will work closely with the university on the investigation.