Ringleader in student-fraternity cocaine trafficking surrenders
Abbatiello denied bail
Trending
From staff reports
STATE COLLEGE -- Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that the leader of a cocaine-trafficking ring involving Penn State University students and two student fraternities surrendered Tuesday morning.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker on numerous felonies, including multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver (cocaine) and conspiracy.
The district judge denied bail at arraignment. Abbatiello and 13 other defendants were charged Monday morning. Abbatiello failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment Monday morning.
Thirteen of the charged defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024. According to the investigation and a grand jury presentment, Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main suppliers for the criminal organization, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine.
The cocaine was then cut and packaged -- primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses -- and distributed mainly to Penn State University students.
"We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court," Attorney General Sunday said. "These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings."
The Office of the Attorney General, in conjunction with the State College Police Department and the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, announced charges against 14 people.
Abbatiello, Robinson, and two others -- Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat -- are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses. A fifth person, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and related misdemeanors.
The eight other student-aged defendants charged are facing misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia. They are: Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.
Paul Robinson -- Thomas Robinson's father -- is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General Drug Strike Force Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.