Penn State Graduate Surrenders in Major Fraternity Drug Case
Penn State Graduate Surrenders in Major Fraternity Drug Case
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — A 24-year-old former Penn State student accused of being a leading figure in a large cocaine-trafficking operation connected to two university fraternities has surrendered to authorities and been denied bail.
Agostino Abbatiello, of Westbury, New York, turned himself in Tuesday after failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing the previous day. He was subsequently arraigned on multiple felony charges and ordered held without bail.
Authorities Allege Organized Campus Operation
Pennsylvania prosecutors say Abbatiello and former Penn State student Thomas Robinson were among the central figures in an alleged drug operation that operated around two off-campus fraternity houses between 2023 and 2024.
Investigators allege that cocaine was obtained from New York and Philadelphia, transported to the State College area, and then prepared for distribution to primarily Penn State students. Fourteen people have been charged in connection with the investigation, including 13 current or former students and Robinson’s father.
Authorities also allege that fraternity pledges were sometimes required to help prepare and package drugs as part of their initiation into the organizations.
Abbatiello Accused of Being a Key Supplier
According to prosecutors and court documents, Abbatiello was one of the operation’s primary suppliers.
A cooperating defendant allegedly told investigators that Abbatiello had become one of the largest cocaine distributors at Penn State during the period under investigation. Another alleged participant told authorities that Abbatiello supplied substantial quantities of cocaine to members of the network.
The allegations remain part of the criminal case and have not been proven in court.
Bail Denied
After surrendering, Abbatiello appeared before Centre County Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker.
The judge denied bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and concerns including flight risk. Abbatiello was remanded to the Centre County Correctional Facility.
He faces numerous felony counts, including allegations involving possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy.
Investigation Reaches Beyond Students
The investigation also involves Paul Robinson, the father of Thomas Robinson and a prominent Pittsburgh attorney.
Prosecutors accuse him of attempting to conceal evidence connected to the investigation, including drugs and cash. He is the only defendant in the case who was not a Penn State student at the time of the alleged activity.
Penn State has responded by suspending Delta Upsilon, while the university has said Sigma Chi is no longer a recognized organization. University officials have condemned the alleged conduct and said they are cooperating with investigators.
Case Now Moves Forward
The charges represent one of the more significant drug investigations connected to Penn State in recent years, involving alleged distribution networks operating through fraternity connections.
With Abbatiello now in custody, prosecutors will continue building their case against the defendants.
For now, all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
