More than a dozen current and former Penn State University students are facing charges over an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation that authorities say operated from two off-campus fraternity houses and involved pledges preparing the drugs.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that 14 people have been charged following an investigation dubbed “Operation Drugs Unlimited,” which was carried out alongside local police. The alleged activity took place throughout 2023 and 2024, with at least four of those charged still enrolled at Penn State.
Former Sigma Chi member Agostino Abbatiello, the alleged ringleader who was reportedly known as “Pablo Pledgescobar,” turned himself in on Tuesday (Aug. 18) after failing to appear for his arraignment the day before. The 24-year-old has been arraigned on several felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy. Bail was denied.
According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Abbatiello and his co-defendant, Thomas Robinson, allegedly acted as the main suppliers for the operation, regularly traveling to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine. Authorities allege the drugs were later cut and packaged at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses before being sold to other Penn State students.
“This was a coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges,” Sunday said. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi, and Lars Zeepvat are each facing felony charges, including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, among other counts.
Robert Zanolla has been charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility. Eight other defendants, including Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, and Kaden Howe, are facing misdemeanor possession charges.
Robinson’s father is also facing charges for allegedly tampering with evidence and obstructing the investigation by concealing a safe containing drugs and cash.
