Agostino Abbatiello, 24, the alleged ringleader of a cocaine trafficking operation at Penn State University, surrendered to authorities Tuesday morning, prosecutors announced. His surrender comes after more than a dozen individuals were charged in connection with the alleged drug ring, which operated through two off-campus fraternities: Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi.
Abbatiello, along with Thomas Robinson, is accused of being at the "very top of the chain" in the organization. Both allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to acquire "large quantities of cocaine." According to court documents, Abbatiello is alleged to have made tens of thousands of dollars from the operation. One co-defendant told investigators that he purchased over $50,000 worth of cocaine from Abbatiello in a single transaction, using both cash and digital payments.
Prosecutors stated that for some pledges, the cutting and packaging of cocaine served as an "indoctrination into the fraternities." In total, 13 defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged conduct in 2023 and 2024. Four of those charged are current students.
Abbatiello was arraigned on multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy. He had initially failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment on Monday. Robinson also faces felony charges, including conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.
Other individuals charged include Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, facing charges of corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. Robert Zanolla was charged with conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility, and other misdemeanor offenses. Thomas Robinson's father, Paul Robinson, was charged with tampering and hindering apprehension for allegedly concealing evidence, including drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
Penn State University has stated that Delta Upsilon will be placed on interim suspension. Sigma Chi, which operates independently of the university and is not recognized by the institution, has had three members charged in the investigation. Michael Church, Sigma Chi's executive director, called the allegations an "egregious violation of our values" and confirmed that the charged members have been suspended.
A university spokesperson expressed horror at the allegations and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement, stating that criminal activity has no place at the institution. The university also indicated plans to enhance efforts around health, safety, and hazing education for all its organizations.