Fourteen suspects have been identified and charged in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation at Penn State University, with individual complaints detailing their purported roles within a hierarchical structure. The alleged operation involved fraternity members accused of supplying, distributing, and packaging cocaine.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, is identified by prosecutors as being at the "top of the food chain" of the operation. Abbatiello, an accounting major and member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, reportedly made the Dean's List. He faces numerous felony charges. He is accused of working with Lars Zeepvat, 24, also of Sigma Chi, who allegedly sourced cocaine from Philadelphia and helped transport it from New York City.
Thomas Robinson, 22, a Human Resources and Management major and member of Delta Upsilon, is accused of downstream logistics and distribution. Court documents state Robinson worked closely with Abbatiello, distributing cocaine to Penn State students and using Snapchat for sales. A confidential informant who purchased drugs from Robinson reportedly led to the unraveling of the operation and identified Abbatiello as his supplier.
Mohammed Huraibi, 22, an Accounting/Finance major and Delta Upsilon member, is described as an early distributor. Documents allege Huraibi introduced Robinson to Abbatiello and initially shared the cost of bulk cocaine purchases. He is accused of attempting to exit the bulk operation in late 2023 but continuing to sell drugs to individuals at other fraternities.
Robert Zanolla, 24, a Sigma Chi member, is suspected of transporting cocaine from New York City. Court documents indicate Zanolla, who allegedly made three trips with Zeepvat to pick up cocaine for Abbatiello, was offered payment for these trips.
Packaging and Delivery Roles
Several individuals are accused of roles related to packaging and delivering the drug. Michael Brogno Jr., 20, a Finance major from Delta Upsilon, is alleged to have packaged and delivered cocaine under Robinson's direction. Connor Hurleigh, 22, also of Delta Upsilon, is accused of purchasing cocaine from Robinson and assisting with packaging and delivery.
Seth Beardsley, 20, a Supply Chain Information Systems major in Delta Upsilon, faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly packaging cocaine and using a digital scale under Robinson's supervision. Daniel Price, 21, and Kyle Ridpath, 21, both Delta Upsilon members, are also facing misdemeanor charges for alleged packaging support.
Charlie Weisman, 20, a Chemical Engineering major from Delta Upsilon, reportedly assisted Robinson by packaging cocaine into baggies and weighing the drug with a digital scale.
Additional Charges
Kaden Howe, 22, an Energy Engineering major affiliated with the Acacia fraternity, faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly purchasing and delivering cocaine from Robinson and Huraibi. Liam Smith, 23, is accused of purchasing cocaine from Abbatiello on multiple occasions and assisting with packaging. He faces misdemeanor charges.
Paul Robinson, 59, the father of Thomas Robinson, is accused of concealing evidence. He allegedly possessed a safe containing cocaine and cash related to his son's alleged dealings. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.