STATE COLLEGE, PA — Agostino Abbatiello, 24, surrendered Tuesday and was denied bail after prosecutors accused him of serving as a principal supplier in a cocaine-trafficking operation involving Penn State University students and two fraternities, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Abbatiello was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker on multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy. He had failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment Monday, when charges against 14 defendants were first filed.
The case stems from an investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, State College Police Department and the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury into alleged cocaine distribution during 2023 and 2024.
According to the grand jury presentment, Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the primary suppliers for the organization and allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain larger quantities of cocaine.
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.
Thirteen of the 14 defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, according to prosecutors.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including 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 misdemeanor offenses.
Eight other defendants — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman — face misdemeanor possession and drug paraphernalia charges.
Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father, is charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension. Prosecutors allege he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructed the investigation.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said the surrender means the most significant defendants in the alleged operation are now accounted for and that preliminary hearings are the next procedural step.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section.
All charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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