The alleged ringleader of a cocaine trafficking operation connected to Penn State University's fraternity houses is challenging his detention without bail, claiming it is unlawful. Agostino Abbatiello's defense attorney, Philip Masorti, filed a motion on Tuesday asserting that his 24-year-old client is being unfairly held and requested a delay in an upcoming court hearing.
Masorti noted that Abbatiello is the only one among the 13 alleged co-conspirators in the drug scheme to be denied bail outright. According to the motion, Abbatiello has no prior criminal record, no history of flight, and law enforcement did not assert during the two-year investigation that he used or threatened violence or was seen with a weapon.
A Court of Common Pleas in Centre County deemed Masorti's motion moot and stated that Wednesday's hearing would proceed as scheduled. The hearing is expected to include alleged co-conspirators Seth Beardsley and Thomas Robinson, as well as Paul Robinson, Thomas's father.
Prosecutors intend to consolidate the cases against all 14 defendants, according to a motion filed on August 28. The group includes four current Penn State students, nine alumni, and one parent.
Authorities initiated charges after discovering that members of the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities at Penn State allegedly coordinated with cocaine suppliers from New York and Philadelphia. Prosecutors accuse the group of trafficking and distributing cocaine to students on campus.