A Penn State student, Agostino Abbatiello, 24, is accused of leading a cocaine trafficking operation that supplied drugs to students and operated out of fraternity houses on campus. Abbatiello, an accounting major, allegedly transformed from a "nerdy" student into a campus figure known as "The Godfather," according to testimony from an alleged accomplice.
Lars Zeepvat, a friend and alleged co-conspirator, testified that Abbatiello began dealing cocaine in the spring of 2023, initially motivated by a desire for popularity as well as financial gain. Zeepvat stated that Abbatiello's drug dealing escalated after he began purchasing larger quantities of cocaine from a dealer he knew from high school. Abbatiello allegedly purchased 100 grams of cocaine, a significant amount at the time, and distributed it within the Sigma Chi fraternity house.
By his senior year, Abbatiello was reportedly dealing larger volumes of cocaine, spending significant amounts of money on new clothing, a custom bong, and gambling. His apartment became a known hub for parties where free cocaine was allegedly offered. Zeepvat told the court that Abbatiello would sometimes charge for drug sales depending on his relationship with the buyer.
Zeepvat himself admitted to having a cocaine problem and stated that Abbatiello's dealing provided him with access to the drug. Abbatiello was released on a $250,000 secured bond after initially failing to surrender to authorities. He had been held without bail for a week.
Thirteen fraternity members have been arrested in connection with the alleged drug ring, which authorities say involved coordinating with suppliers in New York and Philadelphia. Prosecutors claim that pledges were forced to cut and bag the drugs for distribution to other students. The fraternities involved were reportedly Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon.