Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Thursday that a grand jury presentment accuses 14 people of participating in a cocaine‑trafficking scheme linked to two Penn State fraternities. Thirteen of the defendants were or had been students at the university during the alleged conduct in 2023‑2024, and at least four remain enrolled. The fourteenth defendant is the father of one of the students.
Alleged suppliers and distribution network
According to the presentment, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson acted as the primary suppliers, regularly obtaining large quantities of cocaine from sources in Philadelphia and New York. Investigators say the drugs were cut and packaged primarily at the off‑campus houses of Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi, then distributed mainly to Penn State students.
Robinson allegedly purchased 500 grams for $18,000 and a kilogram for $22,000. A photo from March 19, 2024, on Robinson’s phone shows several Delta Upsilon pledges assisting him in repackaging the cocaine into smaller baggies for resale. The presentment also notes that other pledges helped package a separate purchase into half‑gram bags.
Fraternity members testify
Lars Zeepvat, a Sigma Chi brother charged in the case, testified that Abbatiello would bring cocaine to the fraternity house and have brothers and pledges help prepare and package it for resale. Zeepvat said Abbatiello bought roughly 100 grams from a New York source every three to six weeks.
The presentment states Abbatiello continued distributing cocaine among friends as recently as February 2026. He surrendered Tuesday after missing a scheduled arraignment and was denied bail.
Charges
Abbatiello, Robinson and two other defendants face felony charges including corrupt organization, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. A fifth defendant is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, while eight others face misdemeanor possession and paraphernalia counts. Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father, is charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension for allegedly concealing evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.
Penn State response
Following the charges, Penn State placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension and said it would review the fraternity through its organizational conduct process. The university noted that Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates outside Penn State’s oversight.
“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dowhower in a statement. Penn State pledged cooperation with law enforcement and indicated separate student‑conduct proceedings would be pursued for current students.
Fraternity leadership statements
Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk said individuals with ties to the fraternity who were accused have been expelled or suspended if they had not already resigned. Sigma Chi Executive Director Michael Church said the three charged members had been suspended and the chapter’s operations were placed on interim suspension.
The charges remain allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
