Fourteen individuals, including current and former Penn State University students, are facing charges in connection with an alleged off-campus cocaine trafficking ring. The operation is accused of using popular cash applications and Snapchat for drug distribution.
According to court documents released by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the suspects occupied various roles within the alleged hierarchy, from suppliers and distributors to individuals tasked with packaging and delivering cocaine. The investigation involved confidential informants, one of whom reportedly purchased drugs from a suspect, leading to further revelations about the operation.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, is identified as the alleged leader of the operation. Abbatiello, a Sigma Chi fraternity member and accounting major, reportedly made the Dean's list. He surrendered to authorities and was denied bail. Prosecutors described him as being at the "top of the food chain."
Among those charged is Thomas Robinson, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an alleged downstream logistics and distribution figure. Robinson, a Human Resources and Management major and member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, is accused of working closely with Abbatiello and distributing cocaine to Penn State students. Court documents indicate that Robinson used Snapchat for sales and that an informant who purchased drugs from him ultimately implicated Abbatiello.
Mohammed Huraibi, 22, of Secaucus, New Jersey, an accounting and finance major also affiliated with Delta Upsilon, is described as an early distributor. He allegedly introduced Robinson to Abbatiello and initially split bulk cocaine purchases. Although he reportedly attempted to step back from large-scale operations in late 2023, he is accused of continuing to sell drugs to individuals at another fraternity.
Lars Zeepvat, 24, from Mendham, New Jersey, a Sigma Chi member and accounting major, is accused of sourcing the drug and acting as a business partner to Abbatiello. Investigators stated Zeepvat and Abbatiello were close friends, and Zeepvat allegedly obtained cocaine from a source in Philadelphia upon arriving at Penn State.
Robert Zanolla, 24, of Manhasset, New York, also reportedly a Sigma Chi member, is suspected of transporting cocaine from New York City to State College. Court documents suggest Zanolla worked with Zeepvat, making three trips to New York to pick up cocaine for Abbatiello, who allegedly offered to pay him for these transportations.
Paul Robinson, 59, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the father of Thomas Robinson, is accused of concealing evidence. A complaint alleges he was in possession of a safe containing cocaine and cash derived from his son's alleged drug dealings.
Other individuals facing charges include Michael Brogno Jr., 20, of Ellicott City, Maryland, a finance major and Delta Upsilon member, accused of packaging and delivering cocaine under Robinson's direction. Kaden Howe, 22, from Monmouth Court, New Jersey, an Energy Engineering major with Acacia fraternity, faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly purchasing and delivering cocaine from Robinson and Huraibi.
Connor Hurleigh, 22, of Oakdale, New York, a Delta Upsilon member, is accused of purchasing cocaine from Robinson and assisting with packaging and delivery. Seth Beardsley, 20, of Mechanicsburgh, Pennsylvania, a Supply Chain Information Systems major and Delta Upsilon member, faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly packaging cocaine and using a digital scale under Robinson's direction.
Daniel Price, 21, from Media, Pennsylvania, and Kyle Ridpath, 21, also from Media, Pennsylvania, both affiliated with Delta Upsilon, are facing misdemeanor charges. Liam Smith, 23, of Garden City, New Jersey, reportedly purchased cocaine from Abbatiello on multiple occasions and assisted with packaging, facing misdemeanor charges. Charlie Weisman, 20, of Mount Airy, Maryland, a Chemical Engineering major and Delta Upsilon member, is accused of helping Robinson package and weigh cocaine.
The alleged cocaine was reportedly cut and packaged at both the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses before being distributed to students. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.