STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Fourteen people have been charged following an investigation into an alleged cocaine distribution network involving Penn State students and members of two off-campus fraternities.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges Monday. According to the Attorney General’s Office, 13 of the defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged activity, which investigators say occurred during 2023 and 2024. A 14th defendant, the father of one of the students, is accused of tampering with evidence and interfering with the investigation.
Investigators identified Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, and Thomas Robinson as the alleged primary suppliers. Authorities say the two regularly traveled to Philadelphia and New York to obtain quantities of cocaine that were later distributed in the State College area.
Abbatiello remained at large when the charges were announced.
The investigation also involves the off-campus Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses. Authorities allege cocaine was cut and packaged at the residences before being distributed to Penn State students.
The Attorney General’s Office further alleges that some fraternity pledges participated in preparing and packaging cocaine as part of their involvement with the organizations.
Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat are among those facing felony charges that include corrupt organizations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.
Robert Zanolla faces charges including felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.
Eight additional defendants — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman — face misdemeanor charges involving possession and drug paraphernalia.
At least four of the defendants were current Penn State students when the charges were announced, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Sunday described the alleged operation as a coordinated drug-trafficking network involving senior fraternity members, other fraternity members and pledges.
The investigation remains ongoing. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court
