STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Fourteen people, including 13 current or former Penn State University students, have been charged in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation that authorities say was run through two off-campus fraternity houses.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office announced the charges Monday, alleging the operation involved members and associates of Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon and operated during 2023 and 2024. Authorities say cocaine was obtained in bulk from contacts in New York and Philadelphia, transported to State College, processed at fraternity houses and distributed primarily to Penn State students.
Pledges Allegedly Forced to Package Cocaine
Perhaps the most disturbing allegation involves fraternity pledges.
According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, some pledges were allegedly required to cut and package cocaine as part of their initiation into the fraternities.
Sunday described the alleged operation as a coordinated and highly profitable trafficking organization involving senior fraternity members, other fraternity brothers and pledges.
Authorities say the drugs were primarily packaged at the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon houses before being distributed through the Penn State community.
Two Alleged Leaders
Investigators identified Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the alleged primary suppliers.
According to authorities, the two regularly traveled to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine for distribution in State College.
Abbatiello, 24, surrendered to authorities Tuesday after failing to appear for a scheduled arraignment Monday. He was ordered jailed without bail and faces charges including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy.
Four defendants face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. Other defendants face misdemeanor drug-related charges.
A 14th defendant, identified as the father of one of the students, is accused of tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.
Penn State Responds
Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the university investigates the allegations.
Sigma Chi is not currently recognized as a university organization, according to Penn State. The university has said it is cooperating with law enforcement.
The alleged offenses occurred in 2023 and 2024, and at least four of the 13 student defendants are current Penn State students, according to authorities.
The charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sneaker Shop Talk will continue to follow this developing story as additional details emerge.
