Pennsylvania State University students are facing allegations of running a cocaine ring out of several fraternity houses in 2023 and 2024. 14 people have been charged in connection with the alleged trafficking operation involving fraternities Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon.

Alleged Cocaine Trafficking Ring

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday released a statement about the investigation on Monday, August 14, 2026. Accordingly, 13 of those charged in connection with the drug trafficking ring were students at or around the time, and at least four of them are current students. The 14th suspect is a father to one of the students.

The investigation and grand jury presentment revealed that Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the alleged main suppliers who would travel between New York and Philadelphia to acquire large amounts of cocaine that would then be brought back to the two fraternity houses to be cut and packaged.

The cocaine was mainly distributed to Penn State University students, and at times, the fraternities would have their pledges package the drugs. “This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers and pledges,” AG Sunday said. 

“In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”

Felony Charges and Misdemeanors

Many of those accused of involvement in the cocaine trafficking ring have been charged with felonies, and those with less known involvement or of inferior leadership received misdemeanor charges.

“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,” the announcement said, adding that “a fifth person, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and related misdemeanors.”

The final individual charged was identified as Paul Robinson, likely the father of Thomas Robinson, one of the ringleaders in the alleged cocaine operation. Paul is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation, per the attorney general’s release.

The remaining individuals charged with misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia are Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.

The defendants have since been released on bonds ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million.

Initial Arrests

Witnesses reportedly told the grand jury in the case that Abbatiello was the main distributor of cocaine for Penn State students, and a Sigma Chi member was dealing the drug as recently as February. 

At the time of Robinson’s arrest in December 2024, he allegedly acted aggressively toward the officers and told them he was going to “f— you up.” However, he later claimed he thought it was a prank by his Delta Upsilon fraternity brothers.

Police tased the former student during the arrest, and during a search of his room they found cocaine, marijuana, amphetamine pills, a handgun, rounds of ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Penn State Statement

The university released a statement after the attorney general announced charges against several current and former students. They made it clear that the two fraternities involved were “off-campus Greek organizations.”

“Immediately after learning of these serious allegations, Penn State is placing Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates. Penn State Student Affairs will be addressing these charges through the individual student conduct process for current students, and Delta Upsilon also will be reviewed through the University’s organizational conduct processes,” the university said.

“Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates outside of the University’s support and oversight,” the statement added.

“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students. 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,” Student Affairs Vice President Andrea Dowhower said in the statement.