STATE COLLEGE, PA — Fourteen people face charges in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation centered largely on Penn State University students and two fraternity houses, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and a statewide investigating grand jury.
Authorities reported that 13 defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged conduct in 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, the father of one of the students, is accused of tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.
According to the grand jury presentment, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson allegedly served as the organization’s primary cocaine suppliers and regularly traveled to Philadelphia and New York to obtain larger quantities of the drug.
Investigators allege the cocaine was then cut and packaged primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses before being distributed mainly to Penn State students.
The Attorney General’s Office alleges that cash and payment applications were commonly used to complete transactions.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat were charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses, according to prosecutors.
Robert Zanolla faces felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility charges, along with related misdemeanor offenses.
Eight additional defendants — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman — were charged with misdemeanor possession and drug paraphernalia offenses, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators further allege that Paul Robinson took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash. He was charged with felony tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension and obstructing the investigation.
According to prosecutors, investigators used multiple surveillance and investigative techniques to track how the alleged organization obtained, packaged and distributed cocaine.
The Attorney General’s Office also clarified that at least four of the defendants are current Penn State students, correcting an earlier statement about their enrollment status.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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