Authorities say cocaine was packaged at two off-campus fraternity houses and distributed largely to Penn State students during 2023 and 2024.
STATE COLLEGE, PA — Pennsylvania authorities have charged 14 people in an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation tied to Penn State University students and two fraternities, with prosecutors saying drugs were obtained in Philadelphia and New York, packaged at off-campus fraternity houses and sold mainly to students.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced the charges Aug. 17 following an investigation involving State College police and the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Thirteen defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged activity in 2023 and 2024. The remaining defendant is the father of a student and is accused of trying to conceal evidence and hinder the investigation. State officials stressed that the charges are allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Investigators identified Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the operation’s main suppliers. According to the attorney general’s office and a grand jury presentment, the two made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine. Authorities allege the drugs were later cut and packaged primarily at houses used by Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi before being distributed largely to Penn State students.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said investigators found that fraternity members and, in some instances, pledges took part in packaging cocaine. Sunday described the alleged organization as a coordinated trafficking operation centered on senior fraternity members, other fraternity brothers and pledges. Authorities said some pledges were allegedly directed to help cut and package cocaine as part of their involvement with the fraternities. Officials have not announced hazing charges in connection with those allegations.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges that include corrupt organizations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, along with related offenses, according to the attorney general’s office. Robert Zanolla is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as related misdemeanor offenses. Authorities identified those five as the defendants facing the most serious allegations in the trafficking investigation.
Eight other student-aged defendants — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman — face misdemeanor charges involving drug possession and paraphernalia. The attorney general’s office said investigators used several methods to trace how cocaine was obtained, packaged and sold. Payments were allegedly made largely in cash or through electronic payment applications.
Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father, is charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension. Prosecutors allege he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and interfered with the investigation. Authorities have not alleged that he was a Penn State student or fraternity member.
Investigators said the alleged packaging activity occurred at off-campus fraternity houses rather than on Penn State property. Penn State said it was “horrified” by the allegations and would cooperate with law enforcement. The university placed Delta Upsilon on immediate interim suspension while its student conduct office conducts its own review. Penn State said Sigma Chi is not a recognized student organization and operates outside the university’s oversight.
The university also said its disciplinary process is separate from the criminal cases and can result in sanctions against students or organizations regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings. The attorney general’s office initially gave conflicting information at a news conference about how many defendants remained enrolled at Penn State, then issued a correction saying at least four charged individuals are current students.
The Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section will prosecute the cases. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, while the criminal cases will proceed through Pennsylvania courts. No finding of guilt has been made against any of the 14 defendants.
Author note: Last updated August 18, 2026.