A criminal investigation at Penn State University has uncovered allegations of a cocaine distribution operation involving members and pledges of two off-campus fraternities, with authorities claiming that drug packaging was allegedly incorporated into the initiation process for some new members.
More than a dozen people connected to Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi have been charged in connection with the alleged operation, which investigators say involved cocaine being cut, packaged and distributed to other students.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday described the group as a coordinated and profitable trafficking operation allegedly centered around senior fraternity members and other brothers and pledges.
Cocaine Allegedly Became Part of Initiation
According to investigators, some fraternity pledges were allegedly required to participate in preparing cocaine as part of their initiation into the organizations.
Sunday said the evidence suggested that cutting and packaging the drug was used by some pledges as a form of indoctrination, adding another serious dimension to the allegations beyond conventional drug trafficking.
The investigation concerns alleged conduct that took place during 2023 and 2024.
Authorities said 13 of the defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged offenses, while four of those charged remain current students.
Two Members Allegedly Supplied the Drugs
Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson have been identified by authorities as alleged principal suppliers for the fraternity-linked operation.
Investigators believe the pair regularly traveled to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine before the drugs were allegedly brought back and distributed.
Abbatiello and Robinson are among four defendants facing felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.
Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat are also facing charges tied to the alleged operation.
More Defendants Named in Investigation
Robert Zanolla has been charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, along with additional misdemeanor offenses.
Several other student-aged defendants — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman — face misdemeanor charges involving alleged possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
The investigation also reached into Robinson’s family. His father, Paul Robinson, faces felony allegations involving tampering and hindering apprehension after prosecutors accused him of taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe allegedly containing drugs and cash.
Penn State Condemns the Allegations
Penn State officials said they were deeply disturbed by the allegations and emphasized that criminal conduct and hazing have no place within university organizations.
Andrea Dowhower, the university’s vice president for Student Affairs, said the institution would cooperate with law enforcement while continuing efforts focused on student safety and hazing education.
The university also confirmed that Delta Upsilon would be placed on interim suspension.
Sigma Chi, meanwhile, operates independently of the university and is not recognized as a Penn State organization.
Fraternities Suspend or Remove Accused Members
Sigma Chi executive director Michael Church described the allegations as an egregious violation of the fraternity’s values.
Church said the three Sigma Chi members charged in the investigation had been suspended and noted that the fraternity itself had also been placed on interim suspension.
Delta Upsilon executive director Justin Kirk said the organization had previously been made aware of incidents connected to the allegations.
He added that individuals associated with the fraternity had either been expelled, suspended or resigned.
The fraternity said it would continue cooperating with Penn State and authorities as the investigation proceeds.
Investigation Raises Questions About Hazing and Drug Activity
The allegations have placed renewed attention on the relationship between fraternity initiation practices, hazing and criminal activity.
Authorities allege that what began as fraternity-related activity evolved into an organized cocaine distribution network involving students and members of off-campus organizations.
The charges now facing the defendants cover alleged drug possession and distribution as well as broader conspiracy and organized-crime offenses.
All defendants are accused of crimes and remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
