Penn State cocaine bust nets 14 arrests over alleged pledge coke-cutting indoctrination' rituals

More than a dozen Penn Staters are charged in connection with an alleged massive cocaine distribution ring.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that 14 people are facing charges related to the coke trafficking operation where students and two off-campus fraternities were allegedly involved.

"In all, 13 defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, the father of a student, is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation," the Attorney General's office said.

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In the Monday announcement, the AG said suspects Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main coke suppliers. They allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up "large quantities" of the illegal drug.

Members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities allegedly cut and packaged the coke inside their frat houses off campus and distributed it to Penn State students, investigators said.

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The AG said in addition to the charges against alleged ringleaders Abbatiello and Robinson, two more, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses.

Additionally, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanors.

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Eight more "student-aged defendants" charged are facing misdemeanors for possession and paraphernalia, the AG said. Those include Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman.

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The AG's office confirmed at least four of the men charged are current Penn State students.

"This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug