Alleged ringleader of Penn State drug-trafficking ring surrenders

Aug. 18 (UPI) — The alleged ringleader of a drug-trafficking ring operating via two Penn State University fraternities surrendered to authorities Tuesday, the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office announced.

Agostino Abbatiello, 24, was arraigned on multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy. He’s one of 14 defendants accused of taking part of the operation, which mostly involved students in the 2023-2024 school year.

The attorney general’s office said Abbatiello failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment Monday morning for all 14 defendants. The district judge denied bail for Abbatiello at the hearing.

Prosecutors said 13 of the defendants were students around the time of the alleged drug trafficking at Penn State. They accused Abbatiello and co-defendant Thomas Robinson of supplying the drugs, transporting “large quantities of cocaine” from New York to Philadelphia.

The two men, along with Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, were also charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and other offenses. Robert Zanolla was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility and other offenses.

Eight others faced misdemeanor possession and paraphernalia charges — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman.

Thomas Robinson’s father, Paul Robinson, was also charged. He faces felony counts of tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.

The two men then allegedly cut and packaged the cocaine, mostly at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses, before selling it to Penn State students.

“We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings.”