Penn State Cocaine Ring: Alleged Ringleader In Custody, Other New Developments

STATE COLLEGE, PA — The alleged ringleader of a cocaine trafficking operation involving more than a dozen Penn State students and two fraternities was denied bail after surrendering to authorities Tuesday.

After failing to appear for his scheduled arraignment on Monday, Agostino Abbatiello, was arraigned on 11 felony counts, including multiple counts for possession with intent to deliver (cocaine) and conspiracy.

Citing the seriousness of the charges and deeming Abbatiello, 24, of New York, a flight risk, Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker denied bail, the Centre Daily Times reported.

Abbatiello was remanded to the Centre County Correctional Facility.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday on Monday announced the filing of criminal charges against 13 current and former Penn State students for allegedly participating in the cocaine operation.

A 14th person charged is the father of Thomas Robinson, one of the students who allegedly was heavily involved in the ring. Paul Robinson, 59, is accused of attempting to conceal evidence - including a safe containing drugs and cash - and obstructing the investigation.

Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson allegedly were the main suppliers for the criminal organization, which operated chiefly in 2023 and 2024. According to court documents, the pair made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine.

The cocaine was then cut and packaged — primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses — and distributed mainly to Penn State students.

Four others described as the operation's principal participants were released on bail of varying amounts on Monday.

“We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court,” Sunday said. “These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings.”

According to the grand jury presentment, pledges at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities cut and packaged cocaine at the fraternity houses. Sunday said some did it as an indoctrination into the fraternities, but has not indicated whether hazing charges will be filed on top of the drug charges.

Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension. Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates outside of the university's support and oversight.

“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” said Andrea Dowhower, university vice president for student affairs. “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."

When the university learns of criminal charges against a recognized student organization or a current student, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response initiates its own investigation and holds the organization and individuals responsible for misconduct separately from charges filed by law enforcement. That can include disciplinary action up to, and including, permanent separation from the university for both the organizations and individuals involved.