Details have emerged regarding an alleged cocaine trafficking network operating off-campus near Penn State University, with individual complaints filed by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General shedding light on the purported roles of 14 individuals. The documents outline a suspected hierarchy within the operation, identifying alleged suppliers, distributors, and fraternity members accused of weighing, packaging, and delivering cocaine. It’s important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Alleged Kingpin and Key Distributors
Agostino Abbatiello: The Alleged ‘Top of the Food Chain’
Prosecutors have identified Agostino Abbatiello, a 24-year-old Accounting major from Westbury, New York, as the alleged leader of the operation. Abbatiello, a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, reportedly made the Dean’s List and was described as having a “passion for numbers and financial storytelling.” He faces multiple felony charges in connection with the alleged drug ring.
Thomas Robinson: Logistics and Distribution
Thomas Robinson, 22, a Human Resources and Management major and Delta Upsilon fraternity member from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is accused of handling downstream logistics and distribution. Court documents suggest Robinson worked closely with Abbatiello, allegedly selling cocaine to Penn State students and utilizing Snapchat for sales. The operation reportedly unraveled when a confidential informant, after purchasing drugs from Robinson, led investigators to the broader network and ultimately identified Abbatiello as a partner upon his own arrest.
Mohammed Huraibi: Early Involvement and Partnership
Mohammed Huraibi, a 22-year-old Accounting and Finance major from Secaucus, New Jersey, and a member of Delta Upsilon, is alleged to have been an early distributor. According to court filings, Huraibi introduced Robinson to Abbatiello. Initially, Huraibi and Robinson reportedly shared the costs of bulk cocaine purchases. However, Huraibi allegedly sought to exit the bulk operation in late 2023 but continued to sell drugs to individuals at other fraternities.
Lars Zeepvat: Business Partner and User
Lars Zeepvat, 24, an Accounting major from Mendham, New Jersey, and a Sigma Chi fraternity member, is described as a close friend and business partner to Abbatiello. Investigators state Zeepvat admitted to being a cocaine user and identified a source in Philadelphia he utilized upon arriving at Penn State to obtain the drug.
Robert Zanolla: New York City Connections
Robert Zanolla, 24, a Sigma Chi fraternity member from Manhasset, New York, is suspected of facilitating the transport of cocaine from New York City. Court documents indicate Zanolla allegedly worked with Zeepvat, making multiple trips to the city to procure the drug for Abbatiello, who reportedly offered to pay for these services.
Support Roles and Family Involvement
Michael Brogno Jr.: Packaging as a Pledge
Michael Brogno Jr., a 20-year-old Finance major and Delta Upsilon member from Ellicott City, Maryland, is accused of packaging cocaine as a pledge. Court documents allege he performed these duties under Robinson’s direction.
Kaden Howe: Delivery Assistance
Kaden Howe, 22, an Energy Engineering major from Monmouth Court, New Jersey, affiliated with the Acacia fraternity, faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly assisting with the purchase and delivery of cocaine, reportedly from Robinson and Huraibi.
Connor Hurleigh: Packaging and Delivery Support
Connor Hurleigh, 22, from Oakdale, New York, a member of Delta Upsilon, is accused of assisting with packaging and delivery. His complaint alleges he purchased cocaine from Robinson and subsequently aided in preparing and distributing the drug.
Seth Beardsley: Packaging and Weighing
Seth Beardsley, 20, a Supply Chain Information Systems major and Delta Upsilon member from Mechanicsburgh, Pennsylvania, is charged with misdemeanor drug offenses. He allegedly packaged cocaine and used a digital scale under Robinson’s direction.
Daniel Price and Kyle Ridpath: Packaging Support
Daniel Price and Kyle Ridpath, both 21-year-old students from Media, Pennsylvania, and members of Delta Upsilon, are facing misdemeanor charges related to packaging cocaine. Specific details of their alleged involvement are outlined in the court complaints.
Liam Smith: Purchaser and Packaging
Liam Smith, 23, from Garden City, New Jersey, reportedly purchased cocaine from Abbatiello on numerous occasions while they were roommates. Court filings indicate Smith also assisted with packaging the drug multiple times. He faces misdemeanor charges, and while court filings do not explicitly state a formal fraternity affiliation, his alleged activities are detailed in the complaints.
Charlie Weisman: Packaging Assistance
Charlie Weisman, a 20-year-old Chemical Engineering major from Mount Airy, Maryland, and a Delta Upsilon member, is accused of assisting Robinson by packaging cocaine into baggies and weighing the drug using a digital scale.
Family Member Accused of Concealing Evidence
Paul Robinson: Father’s Alleged Role
Paul Robinson, 59, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the father of Thomas Robinson, is accused of attempting to conceal evidence. Authorities allege he was in possession of a safe containing cocaine and cash believed to be proceeds from his son’s alleged drug dealings.
The investigation, which relied heavily on confidential informants and detailed complaint filings, has brought to light the alleged intricate network within the Penn State community. The legal process will now determine the guilt or innocence of each individual charged.
