Fourteen people have been charged in an alleged cocaine trafficking ring at Penn State University after one suspect’s Venmo account blew the operation wide open.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, and Thomas Robinson, 23, of Pittsburgh, are accused of leading the operation, which prosecutors say moved large quantities of cocaine from Philadelphia and New York to State College between 2023 and 2024. The pair allegedly supplied the drug to fraternity members and other students, with packaging operations centered at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges Monday following a months-long investigation by State College police and the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.
The case broke open when Robinson allegedly accepted payments for drugs through a Venmo account under his own name, “Tom Robinson,” rather than an alias. Police had already received tips about a dealer called “T-Rob” operating from the Delta Upsilon house, and the matching name made the connection obvious, according to court documents. Most payments in the operation were made in cash or through payment apps, authorities said.
When officers raided the Delta Upsilon house in 2024, Robinson initially thought the police were his fraternity brothers playing a prank. “After he was handcuffed and officers were escorting him out of the room, Thomas Robinson stated he thought the officers were his fraternity brothers playing a prank on him,” the criminal complaint said. Officers tasered Robinson before placing him under arrest. A search of his room allegedly turned up eight grams of cocaine, eight ounces of cannabis, over 200 amphetamine and dextroamphetamine pills, and a handgun.
Robinson later identified Abbatiello as his primary supplier, telling police he made six large purchases between January and September 2024. The transactions allegedly included 500 grams of cocaine for $18,000 around March 19, 2024, and two separate kilogram purchases for $22,000 each. A photo on Robinson’s phone allegedly showed Delta Upsilon pledges helping him package the drugs into smaller bags for distribution.
Sunday described the operation as deeply embedded in fraternity culture. “This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges,” he said in a statement. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
The alleged scope of the trafficking was substantial. Witnesses testified that Abbatiello became known as “the largest dealer of cocaine for Penn State University students,” with distribution continuing as recently as February 2026, according to the grand jury presentment. Sunday said at a press conference that “large amounts of cocaine, kilos, were brought from Philadelphia and New York to State College, where they were cut and packaged for sale, primarily to Penn State students,” He added that the operation was “an upper level trafficking organization for this region in Pennsylvania.”
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi, and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. Robert Zanolla, 24, of Manhasset, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility. Eight other defendants — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman — face misdemeanor possession and paraphernalia charges.
Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father and a Pittsburgh attorney, was also charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation. Authorities allege he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash. Unsecured bail was set at $1.5 million for Thomas Robinson, $1 million for Paul Robinson, $500,000 for Hurabi and Zeepvat, and $250,000 for Zanolla.
Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s vice president for student affairs, said in a statement: “We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students. Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations.” The university placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension; Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization at Penn State and operates outside university oversight.
Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk said in a statement that individuals associated with the fraternity “have either been expelled, suspended or resigned. We will continue to work closely with the university on any investigative efforts.”
Abbatiello surrendered Tuesday morning and was denied bail at his arraignment. Sunday warned that the investigation sends a message to students starting the new semester: “Not only have we filed these charges, but I promise you that we will be watching, for students who think about going to college, being away from home for the first time… There are always going to be ramifications for your actions.”
Classes at Penn State begin on August 24.