Charges announced in Penn State fraternity cocaine trafficking case

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges on Aug. 17 against 14 people linked to a cocaine trafficking operation that authorities say was run primarily from two fraternity houses at Penn State University. The charges include a Pittsburgh attorney, Paul Robinson, and 13 former students, among them Robinson's son, Thomas Robinson, who was previously charged with drug dealing in December 2024.

According to the attorney general's office, the drug trafficking occurred in 2023 and 2024, with cocaine being cut and packaged mainly at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses. The drugs were distributed mainly to Penn State students, and the majority of payments were made in cash or through payment apps.

Sunday described the operation as "a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges." He added, "This was an upper level trafficking organization for this region in Pennsylvania."

The defendants and charges

Four defendants — Agostino Abbatiello, Thomas Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi, and Lars Zeepvat — face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. Robert Zanolla is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility. Eight other student-aged defendants face misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia.

Paul Robinson, the only non-student charged, is accused of felony tampering and hindering apprehension for allegedly taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation. His law firm stated that the allegations concern him individually and do not involve the firm or its clients.

Thirteen of the defendants were students during the time frame of the alleged trafficking, and of those, four are still enrolled as Penn State students, according to the attorney general's office. The drug dealing was described as "friend to friend, fraternity brother to fraternity brother," and there was no evidence that drug packaging occurred on campus.

How the investigation unfolded

Authorities were tipped off by a confidential informant that a male using the nickname "T-Rob" was selling large amounts of cocaine from the Delta Upsilon fraternity house. The informant told authorities that the seller accepted payments through a Venmo account with the username "Tom-Robinson." A database search for that name led to Thomas Robinson, whose address was listed at the Delta Upsilon fraternity house in State College, Pennsylvania.

When authorities raided the fraternity house in December 2024, Robinson allegedly resisted arrest, thinking officers were fraternity brothers playing a prank, and was Tasered. A search of his dorm room turned up over 8 grams of cocaine, almost 8 ounces of weed, more than 200 amphetamine and dextroamphetamine pills, and a Kimber .45-caliber handgun in a safe.

Robinson was charged in several incidents from September to December 2024, including drug manufacturing and delivery, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Following his arrest, Robinson reportedly provided information about his alleged supplier, Agostino Abbatiello, a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

According to court documents, Abbatiello and Robinson met through a fraternity brother who asked Robinson to become business partners in distributing cocaine in July 2023. The unidentified brother later told a grand jury that he wanted out in December 2023 and that Robinson had bought him out of the most recent cocaine supply. Robinson made several large cocaine purchases from Abbatiello between January and September 2024, including payments of $18,000 and $22,000.

University and fraternity responses

Penn State placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension, while Sigma Chi operates outside the university's oversight. Andrea Dowhower, Penn State vice president for student affairs, said, "We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students."

Delta Upsilon said the individuals associated with the fraternity have either been expelled, suspended, or resigned. Sigma Chi did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Perspectives

  • Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office: The office characterizes the operation as a serious, coordinated drug-trafficking crew involving fraternity members and pledges, with two main suppliers making regular trips to New York and Philadelphia for large quantities of cocaine.
  • Penn State University: The university expressed horror at the allegations and noted that Delta Upsilon has been placed on interim suspension, while Sigma Chi operates outside university oversight.
  • Delta Upsilon Fraternity: The fraternity stated that individuals associated with the chapter have been expelled, suspended, or resigned.
  • Paul Robinson's Law Firm: The firm stated that the allegations concern Paul Robinson individually and do not involve the firm or its clients.