Federal authorities have arrested 13 members of Penn State University fraternities Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon for alleged large-scale drug dealing and distribution. Campus sources claim that cocaine and MDMA-fueled parties, complete with designated "drug rooms" for transactions, were commonplace and that freshmen pledges endured severe hazing, including being forced to prepare drugs for sale.
Students describe a party atmosphere where cocaine use was normalized. "It was normal to take cocaine at these parties, especially with freshman boys who wanted to impress their brothers and talk to girls," one sorority sister told The Post. "To me it felt like they were offering it to everyone at the party. You’d look around, and there would be people snorting lines of cocaine around you. It was so normalized."
According to court documents, pledges in 2023 were allegedly tasked with packaging cocaine into half-gram bags for distribution. One individual with family ties to Sigma Chi was reportedly subjected to harsher hazing for his connection to the fraternity. Sources indicate that pledges were also forced into personal servitude, running errands, acting as designated drivers, and participating in sexually themed challenges.
Agostino Abbatiello, described as the "top of the food chain," along with Thomas Robinson, Mohammed Huraibi, and Lars Zeepvat, were identified as key figures in the alleged operation, which reportedly occurred between 2023 and 2024. Court documents indicated that Abbatiello was tracked selling cocaine as late as February 2026.
Parties at Delta Upsilon were allegedly known for MDMA, or Molly, use, often disguised as "paint parties" and held at the end of semesters. Invitations were sent via GroupMe, and attendees, dressed in white, would have neon paint applied under ultraviolet lights. Those granted access to a specific room could purchase Molly after Venmoing a fraternity member, often receiving a large lollipop to counteract lockjaw.
Some students expressed surprise that the fraternity operations were not discovered sooner. "I am honestly surprised they weren’t caught sooner," said a senior sorority member who frequently attended parties at the fraternities. "You didn’t have to look hard to know they were selling drugs."
Authorities allege that Robinson accepted payments through a Venmo account under his name, while Abbatiello reportedly boasted about his earnings from cocaine sales. Penn State, Sigma Chi, Delta Upsilon, and the State College Interfraternity Council did not respond to requests for comment.
The scandal has cast a shadow over other fraternities at Penn State. "It puts all fraternities here in a bad light and it is just not fair on the rest of us," said Xander Dempster, a member of the Chi Pi fraternity. He noted that many fraternities engage in significant charity work, such as raising millions for the Thon dance marathon.
In total, 14 fraternities at Penn State have faced sanctions including bans or suspensions due to various allegations of misconduct. Five of these, including Sigma Chi, are part of an independent coalition formed in March 2025, known as the State College Interfraternity Council. This group was established following reforms implemented after the 2017 death of Timothy Piazza, who died during pledging for Beta Theta Pi. His parents have voiced concerns that lessons have not been learned and that reform is still critically needed.
University officials have stated their dismay over the allegations. "Hazing is against University policy, as well as state and federal law, and we strongly encourage anyone who is aware of such dangerous behavior to report it to the University and law enforcement," said Penn State Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dowhower. The university discourages affiliation with unrecognized organizations due to the potential risks involved.
Incoming freshmen have expressed apprehension about fraternities following the news. "I was never going to join a fraternity, I think I am a little too old for that now," said freshman Billy Kiray. "This whole situation shows that even more. I will just be focusing on my studies and making my family proud." Another freshman, Cole Falin, stated, "I will definitely not be joining a fraternity, I want to stay away from all that."