Penn State Students Arrested in Massive Cocaine Ring

More than a dozen Penn Staters now face criminal charges linked to what investigators call a massive cocaine distribution ring. One of the alleged masters behind this operation, Agostino Abbatiello, 24, lives in Westbury, New York and remains at large right now. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday made the announcement that Abbatiello is part of a group of fourteen people facing serious accusations regarding the drug trafficking scheme. This ring allegedly involved students and two off-campus fraternities.

"In all, 13 defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024," the Attorney General's office stated plainly. The fourteenth defendant is actually the father of a student who is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.

Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson served as the main coke suppliers according to Sunday's Monday announcement. They allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up "large quantities" of the illegal drug. Members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities reportedly cut and packaged the cocaine inside their frat houses off campus before distributing it to other students.

Two more men, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, face felony charges for corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses. Robert Zanolla is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility along with related misdemeanors. Eight additional student-aged defendants are facing misdemeanor charges for possession and paraphernalia. Their names include Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.

The AG's office confirmed that at least four of the men charged are current Penn State students. "This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges," Attorney General Sunday said during the press conference. He added that evidence uncovered suggests cutting and packaging cocaine served as an indoctrination ritual for some pledges entering these groups.

Thomas Robinson's father, Paul Robinson, faces felony tampering charges for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation. Penn State University told Fox News Digital that they responded to these criminal allegations immediately. The school announced it would place the Delta Upsilon fraternity on interim suspension while they investigate further. They also noted that Sigma Chi is "not a recognized organization and operates outside of the University's support and oversight."

"We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students," said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs in a statement sent to reporters. She emphasized that criminal activity including hazing has no place at their institution. The university promised to cooperate with law enforcement fully while enhancing efforts around health and safety education for all organizations on campus.

Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk issued a separate statement regarding the charges filed Monday. He said the allegations stem from incidents Delta Upsilon International Fraternity was previously made aware of. Individuals associated with the fraternity have either been expelled, suspended, or resigned already. They will continue working closely with the university on any investigative efforts moving forward. Fox News Digital has reached out to Sigma Chi fraternity for comment on this developing story.