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14 Charged in Alleged Penn State Fraternity Cocaine Ring

Prosecutors say evidence shows off‑campus fraternity houses were used to cut, package, distribute cocaine, which raises questions about university oversight.

Overview

  • Prosecutors announced Monday that 14 people, mostly current or former Penn State students, were indicted on charges tied to a cocaine-trafficking operation that ran in 2023–2024.
  • Authorities say two fraternity houses—an unrecognized Sigma Chi chapter and the Delta Upsilon house—were used to cut and bag cocaine that was then sold mainly to students.
  • Investigators identified Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the operation’s primary suppliers who made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine.
  • Abbatiello surrendered Tuesday, was arraigned on multiple felony counts including possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy, and was denied bail; several co-defendants face felony corrupt-organization or conspiracy counts while eight others face misdemeanor possession or paraphernalia charges.
  • Penn State placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension and said it will pursue student conduct reviews as prosecutors prepare preliminary hearings under the probe dubbed Operation Drugs Unlimited.