Former, current Penn State University students charged in cocaine trafficking ring
Former fraternity members accused of heading cocaine distribution network
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Two former Penn State University students are accused of heading a large-scale cocaine distribution network that operated in and around the university's fraternities for more than a year, according to information released Monday by state Attorney General David Sunday.
In all, more than a dozen people face charges after a monthslong investigation that included a presentment by the 55th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.
"This was a coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers and pledges," Sunday said. "In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities."
According to court documents, Agostino Sebastiano Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, N.Y., a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, allegedly supplied cocaine to fraternity members and students from January 2023 through November 2024.
According to the grand jury report, witnesses testified that Abbatiello was the main dealer of cocaine at Penn State during that time frame and that he continued to distribute cocaine among his friends as recently as February 2026.
The grand jury presentment details the investigation into drug trafficking at University Park in Centre County, including testimony from multiple witnesses, confidential informants and physical evidence.
The investigation began in September 2024, when police used confidential informants to make controlled purchases of cocaine from Thomas Robinson, 23, of Pittsburgh and a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.
After Robinson's arrest, he identified Abbatiello as his primary supplier. Robinson said he bought cocaine from Abbatiello on multiple occasions, with six large transactions between January 2024 and September 2024. The first two purchases of cocaine from Abbatiello were for between six and eight ounces on each transaction. About March 19, 2024, Robinson purchased 500 grams of cocaine from Abbatiello for $18,000. That purchase was confirmed using a photo on Robinson's phone that showed several pledges of Delta Upsilon assisting Robinson in packaging the drug into smaller bags for distribution.
Robinson then purchased one kilogram, or 1,000 grams, of cocaine from Abbatiello for $22,000. Then, in September 2024, Robinson purchased another kilogram for $22,000, court documents state. That date was confirmed because the sale took place on the weekend of a home football game at PSU, according to the report.
During the investigation, Robinson said he first met Abbatiello through Mohammed Huraibi, 22, of Secaucus, N.J., a member of Delta Upsilon. Huraibi, Robinson said, introduced him to cocaine at the fraternity house and the two eventually became partners, purchasing from Abbatiello.
During testimony before the grand jury, Huraibi said that in the fall of 2023, he set up the first purchase of cocaine from Abbatiello using Snapchat. In that transaction, he purchased 100 grams of cocaine for $4,000. He and Robinson put their money together for the purchase, Huraibi testified, noting the plan was to repackage the drug and make a profit by reselling it in smaller quantities.
In December 2023, Huraibi wanted out of the business and Robinson paid him back the base amount of cash that he contributed for the most recent drug supply along with some profit.
Huraibi also testified that while he backed out of the business, he continued to sell drugs to a friend, Kaden Howe, 22, of Monmouth Jct., N.J., who was a member of the Acacia fraternity.
Howe, Huraibi said, bought small amounts for personal use but purchased larger amounts to sell at his fraternity. Another witness testified before the Grand Jury, confirming that Howe was known to sell drugs within his fraternity.
Eventually Huraibi distanced himself and Howe purchased cocaine directly from Robinson, the report states.
Despite distancing himself from the cocaine sales, Huraibi remained friends with brothers at Delta Upsilon and continued to attend parties there, including "Molly" parties where many of the attendees would consume the hallucinogenic drug "Molly." Huraibi testified before the Grand Jury that he supplied "Molly" for the party, according to the report.
Huraibi said he remained aware of the drug organization and said that Robinson was a leading member. He also reported that the organization had grown to distribute drugs outside of the fraternities.
Witnesses testified that Abbatiello used fraternity pledges to package drugs and that he boasted about his profits. Other fraternity members, including Larz Zeepvat, 24, of Mendham, N.J.; and Andrew Acker, no information available, were named as business partners or distributors.
Investigators said Abbatiello used the Snapchat app to arrange deals and laundered drug proceeds by reinvesting profits into further purchases.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Hurabi and Zeepvat are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses. A fifth person, Robert Zanolla, 24, of Manhasset, N.Y., is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and related misdemeanors.
Charged with misdemeanors in the case are: Liam Smith, 23, of Garden City, N.Y.; Michael Brogno, 20, of Ellicott City, Md.; Howe; Connor Hurleigh, 22, of Oakdale, N.Y.; Seth Beardsley, no information available; Kyle Ridpath, 21, of Media; Daniel Price, 21, of Philadelphia; and Charles Wiseman, no information available.
In addition, Thomas Robinson's father, Paul Robinson, 59, of Pittsburgh, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General Drug Strike Force Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.