Penn State fraternity members charged in alleged cocaine distribution network
Fourteen individuals linked to two campus fraternities have been indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges related to the supply, packaging and sale of cocaine, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General filings.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office released fourteen criminal complaints detailing an alleged cocaine distribution operation involving members of the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities at Penn State University. Prosecutors describe a hierarchy that began with alleged supplier Agostino Abbatiello, a 24-year-old accounting major from Westbury, New York, who is accused of coordinating purchases and payments.
Thomas Robinson, a 22-year-old human resources student from Pittsburgh, is charged with downstream logistics, allegedly using Snapchat to sell the drug to other students. Mohammed Huraibi, also a 22-year-old accounting student, is said to have introduced Robinson to Abbatiello and participated in early distribution before withdrawing from bulk purchases.
Lars Zeepvat, a close associate of Abbatiello, is accused of acting as a distributor, sourcing cocaine from Philadelphia. Robert Zanolla is alleged to have transported the drug from New York City to State College on three separate trips.
Several fraternity pledges and members, including Michael Brogno Jr., Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Daniel Price, Kyle Ridpath, Liam Smith and Charlie Weisman, are charged with misdemeanor offenses for packaging, weighing and delivering cocaine under the direction of the alleged leaders.
Paul Robinson, the father of Thomas Robinson, faces accusations of concealing evidence by possessing a safe containing cash and cocaine linked to his son’s activities. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.