Penn State Frat Brothers Charged with Running Cocaine Trafficking Ring

A significant cocaine trafficking ring operating within Penn State University has been dismantled, leading to charges against 14 individuals, including current and former students. Authorities announced the bust on Monday, revealing the alleged operation's scope.

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General stated that the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses served as primary locations for cutting and packaging cocaine. From these bases, the drugs were distributed mainly to other students on campus. The investigation identified two former students, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, as the key suppliers who frequently traveled from Philadelphia and New York to acquire substantial amounts of cocaine.

Prosecutors indicated that 13 of the defendants were students at the time of the alleged trafficking, which spanned from approximately 2023 to 2024. The 14th individual charged is the father of a student, accused of attempting to hide evidence and obstruct the investigation. State Attorney General Dave Sunday described the operation as a "coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew," noting that for some pledges, participating in drug preparation was part of their fraternity induction.

In response, Penn State announced an interim suspension for the Delta Upsilon fraternity. The university also stated that it does not recognize Sigma Chi, which operates independently of university oversight. Several individuals face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in unlawful proceeds, while others face misdemeanor charges related to drug distribution and obstruction.

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This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges. In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.