This browser does not support the Video element.
STATE COLLEGE - Four former Penn State students accused of running a cocaine ring through two off-campus frat houses for two years will be in court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Preliminary hearing on Wednesday
What we know:
Agostino Abbatiello, the alleged ringleader of the Delta Upsilon and Signma Chi cocaine operation, will be among those to appear in court for a preliminary hearing and a bail hearing on Wednesday.
Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson (Via Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office)
Thomas Robinson, who prosecutors said was a high-ranking member of the operation, will also appear in court, along with his father, Paul Robinson, who is accused of trying to hide evidence.
Mohammed Huraibi and Robert Zanolla, two others charged in the drug bust, will also appear in court. The rest of the 14 charged in the drug bust will appear in court for their hearings in October.
Penn State cocaine bust
The backstory:
Authorities allege the operation focused on off-campus fraternity houses for Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi, where cocaine was brought in large quantities from Philadelphia and New York throughout 2023 and 2024, according to Sunday.
"The evidence showed that cocaine was primarily packaged at the fraternity houses, and that packaging was done by fraternity brothers and often time pledges," said Sunday.
Penn State drug bust: 14 charged in off-campus fraternity-based cocaine ring
Authorities charged 14 people with drug offenses tied to fraternity houses near Penn State, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday.
Two main individuals, Agostino Abati and Thomas Robinson, both senior fraternity members, allegedly led the operation.
"Agostino Abati was at the very top of the chain, Thomas Robinson was a rung below that on the ladder," Sunday said.
The investigation found that packaging drugs was considered a pledge task during fraternity initiations, Sunday said.
The packaging and drug distribution occurred off campus, with no evidence the packaging happened on Penn State’s campus, Sunday said. Law enforcement officials have not charged anyone with hazing-related crimes and stated the investigation remains ongoing.
Penn State fraternity drug ring: Philadelphia ties revealed after over a dozen charged
Authorities charged 14 people in alleged cocaine trafficking at Penn State’s main campus. Two are from the Philadelphia area.
"Agostino Abati was at the very top of the chain, Thomas Robinson was a rung below that on the ladder," Sunday said.
The investigation found that packaging drugs was considered a pledge task during fraternity initiations, Sunday said.
The packaging and drug distribution occurred off campus, with no evidence the packaging happened on Penn State’s campus, Sunday said. Law enforcement officials have not charged anyone with hazing-related crimes and stated the investigation remains ongoing.
Ties to Philadelphia
Local perspective:
Daniel Price, of Philadelphia, and Kyle Ridpath, of Media, were also charged with drug-related misdemeanors. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said the pair had a hand in "a coordinated and organized cocaine trafficking operation with regular trips to source cities and large amounts of cocaine."
This browser does not support the Video element.
Penn State drug bust: New details in cocaine ring bust
Court documents are revealing new details about the investigation into two Penn State fraternities and their alleged connection to a cocaine ring.
Delta Epsilon suspended
What's next:
Penn State officials state that Delta Upsilon is on interim suspension. Sigma Chi is not one of the university’s recognized organizations, meaning it is not subject to university oversight.
The Source: