Fourteen people have been charged in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation linked to two fraternities at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State).
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges, saying 13 of the defendants were students when the alleged operation took place between 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, identified as the father of one of the students, is accused of concealing drugs and cash in a safe.
Authorities said at least four of those charged are current Penn State students.
Investigators allege that senior fraternity members Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the leaders of the operation and made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine.
The drugs were allegedly distributed to Penn State students, with investigators saying some of the cocaine was cut and packaged primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses.
“This was a coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges,” Attorney General Sunday said.
He added that evidence uncovered during the investigation suggested that cutting and packaging cocaine was used by some fraternity members as part of their initiation.
Law enforcement officials said they used various investigative techniques to track how the cocaine was obtained, packaged and distributed. Most payments were allegedly made in cash or through payment applications.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offences.
A fifth defendant, Robert Zanolla, faces felony conspiracy charges, criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanor offences.
Paul Robinson, the father of one of the students, is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.
The remaining defendants, who are described as student-aged, face misdemeanor charges related to possession of drug paraphernalia.
Penn State Responds
Penn State University said it was taking immediate action following the allegations.
The university announced that Delta Upsilon had been placed on interim suspension while its Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response conducts an investigation. Current students facing criminal charges will also be subject to the university’s separate student conduct process.
The university said Sigma Chi is not currently a recognised organisation and therefore operates outside its support and oversight.
Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s vice president for Student Affairs, condemned the allegations and said criminal activity and hazing had no place at the university.
“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.”
Penn State said its internal investigations could result in disciplinary action against individuals and organisations, including permanent separation from the university.
The university also said it would strengthen health, safety and anti-hazing education programmes for students and Greek organisations.
The charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.