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.

SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY RUNNING METH LAB AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY’S LARGEST ACADEMIC BUILDING 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. 📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com 📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv 🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns 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.

FBI CHARGES 35 IN WEST VIRGINIA DRUG AND FIREARMS OPERATION, LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SUMMER CRIME INITIATIVE 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.

FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS The AG's office confirmed at least four of the men charged are current Penn State students.

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE "This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges," Attorney General Sunday said.

"In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities." SEND US A TIP Thomas Robinson's father, Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation.