Agostino Abbatiello, identified as the alleged ringleader of a cocaine trafficking operation involving two Penn State fraternities, appeared in Centre County Courthouse on Wednesday for a hearing. Abbatiello, 24, arrived in a red prison jumpsuit and shackles, and acknowledged his lawyer with a fist bump.
Also present for the hearing were alleged accomplice Thomas Robinson, his attorney father Paul Robinson, and several other defendants. Prosecutors are seeking to try 14 individuals together in connection with the alleged drug distribution ring, which authorities say operated through the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities at Penn State. The group faces numerous criminal charges after evidence suggested the fraternities coordinated with cocaine suppliers from New York and Philadelphia.
Prosecutors allege that 13 fraternity members were arrested for managing the cocaine trafficking ring, which involved forcing new members, or pledges, to cut and bag drugs for distribution to students. Abbatiello, through a motion filed Monday, had sought to have his bail set and the hearing postponed, arguing he was being held unfairly without bail. However, a Court of Common Pleas in Centre County deemed the motion moot, allowing the hearing to proceed as scheduled. Abbatiello's attorney subsequently withdrew the request for a continuance.