STATE COLLEGE, PA — Criminal charges have been filed against 14 people in connection with an alleged cocaine-tracking operation involving primarily Penn State University students and two fraternities.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Monday that 13 defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged illegal activities in 2023 and 2024. Four currently are Penn Students.
The 14th defendant is the father of a student charged with tampering with evidence and and hindering the investigation.
"This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges," Sunday said in a statement.
"In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities."
According to a grand jury presentment, two members of the organization — Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson — were the main suppliers for the group, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine.
The cocaine was then cut and packaged — primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses — and distributed mainly to Penn State University students.
Abbatiello, Robinson, and two others — Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat — are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses. A fifth person, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and related misdemeanors.
The eight other student-aged defendants charged are facing misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia.
Sunday did not identify which people charged still are Penn State students.
Sunday said investigators, which included members of the State College Police Department, used various tactics to track the individuals involved, and how the cocaine was obtained, packaged and sold.
Most of the payments were made in cash or via payment apps.
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