For college students, fall is usually a time synonymous with back-to-school traditions, move-in day, and sorority and fraternity rush. But this year, for students at Penn State University, it also meant the takedown of an alleged cocaine trafficking ring.
In August, 13 current and former Penn State students, and one of their parents, were arrested in connection with the crimes that largely took place at the houses of off-campus fraternities Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi. For pledges rushing these fraternities, hazing may have even included packaging and distributing cocaine.
Here’s what you know about the Penn State cocaine trafficking case, who was involved, and the alleged ringleader of the operation, Agostino Abbatiello.
Who Is Agostino Abbatiello?
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, is from Westbury, New York. He attended an all-boys Catholic school on Long Island, New York, and listed himself as a “life coach” during high school, according to the BBC.
He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Penn State University, where he majored in accounting, according to the Daily Voice. The publication also cites a since-deleted Sigma Chi Instagram post that said “Augie” or “Stino,” as he was also known, cut his fraternity brothers’ hair as a side hustle. He was also “at the very top of the chain” of an alleged cocaine distribution ring, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
Abbatiello allegedly began selling cocaine he obtained from Philadelphia, but later found a source from his hometown that could supply larger quantities around spring 2023, according to a grand jury report.
In August 2026, Abbatiello and 13 other defendants were charged for alleged drug trafficking activity between 2023 and 2024, operating out of two Penn State fraternities. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office filed charges against the defendants for their connection to a “coordinated” and “highly-profitable” cocaine distribution ring.
After failing to appear for his scheduled arraignment on August 17, Abbatiello surrendered to law enforcement on August 18. He has been denied bail and is currently held in the Centre County Prison in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
What Is Known About the Alleged Penn State Drug Trafficking Ring?
Prosecutors suggest there were 13 current and former Penn State students involved in the alleged drug trafficking ring, which took place from 2023 to 2024. Abbatiello and another suspect, Thomas Robinson, were allegedly the main suppliers for the group, according to the investigation. Additionally, Paul Robinson, Thomas’s father, was charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension for trying to conceal evidence including hiding a safe containing drugs and cash.
Investigators allege Abbatiello and Robinson made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine. Then, the drugs were cut and packaged at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses, located off Penn State’s campus, and sold mainly to students.
“Cutting and bagging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities,” Dave Sunday, the Pennsylvania attorney general, said in a statement.
Lars Zeepvat, a former student also charged in the investigation, told authorities Abbatiello forced him to deliver cocaine when he was unable to repay money he borrowed for a spring break trip, according to People.
Prosecutors allege the suspects used apps like Snapchat and Venmo with usernames tied to their actual names, which ultimately led to them getting caught. An informant first approached law enforcement about large amounts of cocaine being sold from the Delta Upsilon house. Court documents allege Robinson used the nickname “T-Rob” and used Venmo account “Tom-Robinson-53” to accept payment for cocaine.
When police entered Robin’s room in Delta Upsilon in December 2024, he initially thought he was being pranked by his fraternity brothers. Instead, his arrest kicked off a 20-month-long investigation that uncovered a large cocaine distribution network within the two frats.
What Has Penn State Said About the Drug Trafficking Scandal?
Delta Upsilon is on an interim suspension while Penn State’s Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates. The fraternity will also be reviewed through the university’s organizational conduct processes. Current students will go through the individual student contact process with Penn State Student Affairs.
“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs, said in a statement. “Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations.”
The other fraternity, Sigma Chi—which Abbatiello belonged to—is not an organization recognized by the university due to previous drug and alcohol violations. However, it was placed on interim suspension by its headquarters, according to People.
What Charges Do Agostino Abbatiello and Others Face?
In total, 14 people face charges in connection with a cocaine-trafficking operation. At least four charged individuals are current students.
Alleged ringleader Abbatiello, along with Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi, and Lars Zeepvat, are charged with felony 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, and related misdemeanors, according to a press release from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The eight other defendants face misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia.
Abbatiello and four others are scheduled for bail and preliminary hearings on Wednesday, September 2. His lawyers filed an emergency motion on September 1 to delay the hearing and release him on bail, arguing that it’s unfair Abbatiello is the only suspect charged in the case who has been denied bail. While his request to move the hearing was denied, his request for bail will be considered at his hearing.
The remaining defendants are scheduled to appear in court on October 14.
Check back with Biography.com for updates in the case.
Jordan Smith is a freelance writer, editor, and author with 10 years of experience reporting on health and fitness news and trends. She's also an ISSA certified running coach, and is passionate about making fitness accessible to all. You can find her work in publications including Runner's World, SELF, Prose, Vital Proteins, and more. The Philadelphia-based writer has yet to meet a workout class she doesn't like and can be found exploring the robust Philly food scene, hiking with her three dogs, and chronicling her attempt at tackling her endless TBR.
