Penn State students among 14 charged in alleged fraternity cocaine trafficking operation
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Prosecutors say cocaine was allegedly cut, packaged and distributed through two off-campus fraternity houses.
Fourteen people, mostly current or former Penn State students, have been charged in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation tied to two off-campus fraternities. Pennsylvania authorities say cocaine was allegedly cut, packaged and distributed largely to Penn State students, with prosecutors also alleging that drug activity became part of fraternity initiation.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 14 people, including 13 current or former students and the father of one student. At least four of those charged are current Penn State students. According to prosecutors, the alleged cocaine trafficking operation was active in 2023 and 2024. It revolved around members of two off-campus Greek organizations, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi. Authorities allege that two men, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, served as major suppliers, sourcing cocaine from Philadelphia and New York.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, the alleged leader of the operation, surrendered to authorities and was denied bail at his arraignment. Eight other student-age defendants face misdemeanor charges related to possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Paul Robinson, the father of one of the students, is accused of tampering with evidence, according to ABC News.
Prosecutors allege the drugs were subsequently cut, packaged and distributed, primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses. Payments were reportedly made through cash and payment apps. The allegations have therefore raised questions not only about cocaine trafficking but also about the role of hazing and fraternity culture in facilitating criminal activity.
The university placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while its Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates. Current students will face the university’s separate student-conduct process, while Delta Upsilon will also be reviewed under the university’s organizational conduct procedures. Penn State said Sigma Chi is not a recognized university organization.
Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s vice president for Student Affairs, said the university was “horrified” by the cocaine trafficking allegations and emphasized that criminal activities have no place at the institution. The university said that when criminal charges involve recognized student organizations, it conducts its own investigation and can impose disciplinary measures, including permanent separation from the university.