Penn State Frat Pledges Allegedly Forced to Cut Cocaine for Campus Drug Ring

Pennsylvania authorities have charged 14 people, including 13 current or former Penn State students, in connection with a cocaine trafficking ring allegedly operated out of two off-campus fraternity houses between 2023 and 2024.

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges on Monday, saying the investigation revealed that bulk quantities of cocaine were brought from Philadelphia and New York to State College, where they were cut and packaged for sale primarily to Penn State students.

According to court documents, the drugs were processed at the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternity houses, with fraternity brothers and pledges used as labor. Sunday said the evidence showed that for some pledges, cutting and bagging cocaine was part of their indoctrination into the fraternities.

Agostino Abbatiello, 24, is accused of leading the operation. He surrendered on Tuesday after failing to appear for a scheduled arraignment and was ordered jailed without bail. Authorities described him as the largest cocaine dealer for Penn State students, a claim supported by multiple grand jury witnesses.

Four people face charges including conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and felony corrupt organizations. Another defendant is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, while eight others face misdemeanor drug possession charges.

Paul Robinson, the father of one of the accused students, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension, and obstructing the investigation. Authorities say he attempted to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.

Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension. Sigma Chi is not recognized by the university and is not subject to its oversight. Both fraternities have taken internal action, with Delta Upsilon expelling or suspending members involved and Sigma Chi suspending operations at its Penn State chapter pending further review.