A Pittsburgh native is accused of being a ringleader of a drug trafficking operation at Penn State University.
On Monday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 14 people accused in connection with a cocaine-trafficking ring that reportedly involved two Penn State fraternities, NBC News affiliate WJAC reports.
Investigators identified two alleged leaders of the operation: Agostino Abbatiello, of Westbury, New York, and Thomas Michael Robinson, of Pittsburgh.
WJAC reports that Abbatiello, a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and Robinson, a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, are accused of forcing other frat members and pledges to package cocaine from 2023 to 2024. The drugs were then sold to Penn State students.
Only one non-student was charged: Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father, who is accused of helping conceal evidence by providing a safe where drugs and cash were hidden.
Others charged include three alleged drug dealers and eight current or former students.
Penn State officials released a statement, saying it immediately placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates. Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates without University oversight.
“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. “Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations.”
Student Affairs is establishing additional educational and hazing prevention efforts for the first weeks of the fall semester.
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