Agostino Abbatiello, the alleged ringleader of a cocaine-trafficking operation linked to two Penn State fraternities, walked free from jail in a wrinkled blue suit after securing $250,000 bail.
The 24-year-old emerged carrying a transparent bag containing his belongings after spending more than two weeks in the Centre County Correctional Facility. He had arrived at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte earlier on Wednesday wearing red prison clothing.
Centre County Common Pleas Judge Jonathan D. Grine reversed an earlier decision to deny bail and ordered that the bond be secured. Abbatiello must live with his parents, avoid contact with witnesses, refrain from drugs and alcohol, and surrender his passport to his lawyer.
His release followed an hours-long preliminary hearing during which prosecutors and witnesses gave evidence about the alleged drug network. Abbatiello faces charges including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy, but has not entered a plea and is presumed innocent.
Philip Masorti, his lawyer, said the family had paid the bond and described the decision as “an important correction” in the handling of his client’s pre-trial detention. He said Abbatiello would continue to challenge the evidence and the credibility of witnesses.
Prosecutors allege that cocaine was cut and packaged at the off-campus Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternity houses before being sold to students. Fourteen people, most of them current or former Penn State students, have been charged in connection with the alleged operation.
Abbatiello and several co-defendants are due back in court on September 30 for formal arraignments, when they are expected to enter pleas.
