Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 14 individuals in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation linked to Penn State University fraternities Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi. The announcement came in a statement released on August 19, 2026, detailing a coordinated investigation into drug distribution activities that occurred between 2023 and 2024.
Charges and Defendants
According to the Attorney General's office, 13 of the 14 defendants were students at the time of the alleged offenses. The 14th defendant, Paul Robinson, is the father of one of the students and is accused of hiding drugs and cash in a safe. Authorities confirmed that at least four of the charged individuals are current students.
Investigators allege that senior fraternity members Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson led the operation, supplying cocaine, while other members and pledges cut and packaged the drugs primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses. The two leaders are charged with making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine between 2023 and 2024.
Investigation Details
Attorney General Sunday described the operation as "a coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges." He further stated, "In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities."
Law enforcement used various tactics to track the individuals involved, including monitoring how the cocaine was obtained, packaged, and sold. Most payments were made in cash or via payment apps, according to investigators. The cocaine was distributed to Penn State students.
Specific Charges
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi, and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses. Robert Zanolla is charged with felony conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility, and related misdemeanor offenses. Paul Robinson faces charges of tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation. The remaining defendants, all student-aged, face misdemeanor counts of possession of paraphernalia.
University Response
Penn State issued a statement in response to the charges. The university announced that Delta Upsilon has been placed on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates. Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates outside the university's oversight. Student Affairs will address the charges through individual student conduct processes for current students, and Delta Upsilon will be reviewed through organizational conduct processes.
Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs, said, "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 also noted that when it learns of criminal charges against a recognized student organization or a current student, it initiates its own investigation and can impose disciplinary action up to and including permanent separation from the university. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life has health and safety staff that work with Greek organizations to promote safe behaviors and educate on risk and anti-hazing.
