Fourteen Suspects Named in Penn State Fraternity Cocaine Distribution Network

Pennsylvania’s Attorney General released individual complaints this week detailing charges against 14 suspects implicated in an alleged cocaine distribution operation centered at Penn State University. The documents reveal an organizational structure within the trafficking network, spanning roles from top-level suppliers to lower-level members responsible for packaging and delivery. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, stands accused as the operation’s leadership figure, according to prosecutors. An accounting major at Penn State and Sigma Chi fraternity member, Abbatiello is facing multiple felony charges. Court filings characterize him as occupying the “top of food chain” within the alleged hierarchy, with involvement spanning procurement and distribution across the network.

Thomas Robinson, 22, from Pittsburgh and a Delta Upsilon member majoring in human resources and management, allegedly served as a key distributor operating from his fraternity house. Law enforcement relied on a confidential informant who purchased drugs from Robinson to expose the operation, ultimately leading Robinson to identify Abbatiello as his supplier after his own arrest. Robinson allegedly utilized Snapchat to facilitate sales to other Penn State students.

Mohammed Huraibi, 22, of Secaucus, New Jersey, and an accounting and finance major in Delta Upsilon, allegedly introduced Robinson to Abbatiello and initially partnered with Robinson on bulk cocaine purchases. Court documents indicate Huraibi attempted to exit the partnership in late 2023 but continued selling drugs to members of another fraternity thereafter.

Lars Zeepvat, 24, a Sigma Chi member and accounting major from Mendham, New Jersey, allegedly operated as a business partner to Abbatiello and distributor within the network. Investigators characterized Zeepvat and Abbatiello as “close friends,” with court filings noting Zeepvat had established a cocaine source in Philadelphia that he leveraged for the operation.

Robert Zanolla, 24, of Manhasset, New York, and a Sigma Chi member, allegedly worked with Zeepvat to transport cocaine from New York City to the State College area. Documents indicate Abbatiello offered payment to Zanolla for three documented drug procurement trips made by the pair to the city.

Paul Robinson, 59, of Pittsburgh, faces accusations of concealing evidence for his son Thomas Robinson through alleged possession of a safe containing cocaine and cash derived from the drug operation. As the only non-student defendant, his charge reflects a family connection to the alleged conspiracy.

Seven additional Penn State students face misdemeanor charges for packaging and delivery roles within the operation. Michael Brogno Jr., 20, an accounting major in Delta Upsilon from Ellicott City, Maryland, allegedly packaged cocaine at Thomas Robinson’s direction. Kaden Howe, 22, an energy engineering major in Acacia from Monmouth Court, New Jersey, faces charges for purchasing and delivering cocaine. Connor Hurleigh, 22, of Oakdale, New York, and a Delta Upsilon member, allegedly purchased cocaine and assisted with packaging operations.

Three additional Delta Upsilon members—Seth Beardsley, 20, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Daniel Price, 21, of Media, Pennsylvania; and Kyle Ridpath, 21, also of Media—face misdemeanor drug charges for their alleged roles in packaging operations under Robinson’s direction. Beardsley additionally stands accused of operating a digital scale in the process.

Liam Smith, 23, of Garden City, New Jersey, allegedly purchased cocaine from Abbatiello on at least ten occasions while the two were roommates and assisted in packaging the drug five times, according to court filings. Smith faces misdemeanor charges. Charlie Weisman, 20, a chemical engineering major from Mount Airy, Maryland, and a Delta Upsilon member, allegedly assisted Robinson by packaging cocaine in baggies and weighing the drug on a digital scale.