Penn State Fraternity Members Charged in Multistate Cocaine Trafficking Ring

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that fourteen individuals were charged in a cocaine trafficking operation that moved large quantities from Philadelphia and New York to State College between 2023 and 2024. The drugs were allegedly cut, packaged, and distributed from the off-campus houses of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities, with sales occurring primarily among Penn State students. The indictment includes felony counts of corrupt organization, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity for the alleged leaders, while eight other students face misdemeanor possession and paraphernalia charges. A non-student, Paul Robinson, the father of one defendant, is accused of concealing evidence and obstructing the investigation.

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• Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York – identified as a senior member of Sigma Chi and primary supplier.

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• Thomas Robinson, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – senior member of Delta Upsilon and co-supplier.

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• Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat – charged with the same felony offenses as Abbatiello and Robinson.

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• Robert Zanolla – charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.

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• Paul Robinson, 59 – father of Thomas Robinson, charged with evidence-tampering offenses.

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Attorney General Sunday emphasized that the packaging occurred off campus, stating, “We did not hear of any drug packaging happening on Penn State’s campus.” He added that the investigation reflects a broader national issue of drug use and that authorities will continue monitoring the situation. A Penn State spokesperson announced that Delta Upsilon was placed on interim suspension pending a university investigation, while Sigma Chi is not recognized as a student organization and operates outside university oversight.

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The university’s Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response has opened an inquiry into the fraternity houses involved. The interim suspension of Delta Upsilon and the non-recognition of Sigma Chi signal heightened scrutiny of Greek life and its role in illicit activities on campus.

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• “We did not hear of any drug packaging happening on Penn State’s campus,” — Attorney General Sunday, pennsylvania attorney — Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania Attorney General.

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