Additional Coverage:
- Penn State cocaine bust nets 14 arrests over alleged pledge coke-cutting ‘indoctrination’ rituals (foxnews.com)
More than a dozen individuals connected to Penn State University face charges in a large-scale cocaine distribution case, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Monday.
Fourteen people are charged in the alleged operation, including 13 Penn State students and the father of one student, who is accused of tampering with evidence and obstructing the investigation. According to authorities, the ring involved two off-campus fraternities, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi, where drugs were reportedly cut, packaged, and distributed to fellow students.
Two men, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, are identified as the primary suppliers, allegedly making frequent trips to Philadelphia and New York to acquire substantial amounts of cocaine. Additional defendants, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, face charges including felony corrupt organizations and conspiracy. Another individual, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and related offenses.
Eight other student-aged defendants are charged with misdemeanors related to possession and drug paraphernalia, among them Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, and Charles Wiseman. At least four of those charged are confirmed current Penn State students.
Attorney General Sunday described the drug ring as a coordinated and profitable operation involving fraternity members and pledges. He noted that, disturbingly, for some pledges, involvement in cutting and packaging cocaine was part of their initiation into the fraternities.
The father of Thomas Robinson, Paul Robinson, faces felony charges for allegedly attempting to conceal evidence and hinder law enforcement efforts.
In response, Penn State has placed the Delta Upsilon fraternity on interim suspension pending an investigation. The university clarified that Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates independently of university oversight. Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs, expressed shock over the allegations and emphasized the institution’s commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement and enhancing education on health, safety, and hazing prevention.
Delta Upsilon’s Executive Director, Justin Kirk, stated that the fraternity was previously aware of some incidents related to these charges and that those involved have faced disciplinary actions such as expulsion or suspension. He pledged ongoing collaboration with the university during the investigation.
The investigation continues as authorities work to address the serious allegations surrounding this case.