Penn State Students Charged in Cocaine Ring

More than a dozen Penn State University students have been charged in connection with a cocaine trafficking ring that operated primarily out of two off-campus fraternity houses, according to authorities. The Pennsylvania attorney general's office announced charges against 14 people linked to the operation.

The alleged drug-trafficking ring involved cutting and packaging cocaine mainly at Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses before distributing it primarily to other Penn State students. The drugs were allegedly trafficked between 2023 and 2024, with most of the defendants being students during that time frame.

Agostino Abbatiello, 24, described as one of the main suppliers, surrendered to authorities after failing to appear for an arraignment. He faces multiple felony charges including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy. Thomas Robinson, another key supplier, is also facing serious charges along with Abbatiello.

The investigation revealed that pledges at the fraternities were involved in cutting and packaging cocaine as part of their initiation process. The attorney general's office described the operation as a 'coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew' revolving around senior members of the fraternities, other brothers, and pledges.

Penn State University has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension pending an investigation. Sigma Chi, which is not recognized by Penn State and operates outside university oversight, has also taken disciplinary actions against its members involved in the case. The university expressed horror at the serious allegations and pledged cooperation with law enforcement.

According to CBS News, Abbatiello was described as 'at the very top of the chain' while Thomas Robinson was 'a rung below that on the ladder.' The two made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine, investigators said. Prosecutors stated pledges at Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses would cut and package the cocaine, including some who did it as an 'indoctrination' into the frats.

CBS News also reported that a fourteenth person, Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson's father, was charged with trying to conceal evidence and obstruct the investigation. The district judge denied bail for Abbatiello after the attorney general's office said he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment.

According to Los Angeles Times, four people are charged with conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, felony corrupt organizations and other offenses. Another defendant is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility. Eight defendants are charged with misdemeanor drug possession.

Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk stated that anyone involved in the drug ring who had ties to Delta Upsilon was expelled or suspended from the fraternity if they did not resign. Sigma Chi’s executive director, Michael Church, mentioned that the three Sigma Chi members who were charged have been suspended pending the outcome of the judicial process. He added that the fraternity has suspended all operations at its Penn State chapter on an interim basis 'while we determine whether these allegations reflect individual conduct or organized chapter activity.'