The leader of a cocaine trafficking group, Agostino Abbatiello, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday. Abbatiello, 24, is a former senior member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Penn State University. He faces charges of cocaine possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy. A district judge denied him bail during his arraignment.
Authorities charged Abbatiello and 13 other former Penn State students and fraternity members this week. The alleged incidents occurred in 2023 and 2024. Abbatiello worked with Thomas Robinson, a Delta Upsilon fraternity member, as the main suppliers. They sourced cocaine from Philadelphia and New York. The drugs were packaged at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses and sold via Snapchat.
According to investigators, the operation generated hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office provided images of key figures involved, including Robinson. Delta Upsilon fraternity executive director Justin Kirk stated the fraternity expelled or suspended those involved. They continue collaborating with the university in the investigation.
Robinson’s father, Paul Robinson, attempted to obstruct the investigation. He tried to hide evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash. Along with Abbatiello and Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat face charges of corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in illegal proceeds. Robert Zanolla is charged with conspiracy and illegal use of communication tools.
Eight other individuals, all in their student years, face misdemeanor charges related to possession and paraphernalia. During a press briefing, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday revealed that entire fraternities were involved. This included leaders, fraternity brothers, and pledges. Some pledges processed cocaine as part of their introduction into the fraternities.
Penn State placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension after learning about the charges. The university does not officially recognize Sigma Chi fraternity.