The alleged ringleader of a Penn State cocaine ring and four other defendants were due to appear in court in Pennsylvania on Wednesday 2 September, as prosecutors set out claims about an operation run through two off-campus fraternity houses.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, is accused of being at the top of the alleged organisation, with Thomas Robinson described as a senior figure below him. Both men are due to face preliminary hearings in Centre County, alongside Robinson’s father, Paul Robinson, Mohammed Huraibi and Robert Zanolla.
The hearings in Bellefonte are expected to examine whether the case against the defendants should proceed. A bail hearing for Abbatiello is also scheduled after he was refused bail following his arrest last month.
Penn State cocaine ring allegations
Authorities allege that the operation was active during 2023 and 2024, with cocaine brought in bulk from Philadelphia and New York before being cut, packaged and distributed mainly to Penn State students.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office said the drugs were prepared primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses. Investigators allege that some pledges were given packaging cocaine as an initiation task.
Officials have said there is no evidence that the drug packaging took place on Penn State’s campus. No hazing-related charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Abbatiello and Robinson were the alleged main suppliers, making regular journeys to the two cities to obtain cocaine. Prosecutors say payments were made using cash and payment applications.
Abbatiello surrendered to authorities on 18 August after failing to attend an earlier scheduled arraignment. He was then arraigned on multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy, and was held without bail.
His lawyer has since asked for him to be released on his own recognisance and sought to delay Wednesday’s preliminary hearing if bail was granted. A Centre County judge ruled that the bail request would be considered at the scheduled hearing.
Paul Robinson, a Pittsburgh attorney, is accused of tampering with evidence, hindering the investigation and obstructing law enforcement. Prosecutors allege he helped conceal a safe containing drugs and cash.
The Attorney General’s Office has charged 14 people in total. It says 13 were current or former Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, while the remaining defendant was Robinson’s father.
Abbatiello, Thomas Robinson, Huraibi and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including corrupt organisations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. Zanolla is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, while several other defendants face misdemeanour drug charges.
Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension. Sigma Chi is not recognised by the university and therefore does not fall under its official oversight.
All of the charges are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
