14 charged in alleged cocaine trafficking ring tied to Penn State University fraternities

Key Points:

• Fourteen individuals, including 13 Penn State students and one parent, have been charged in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation linked to the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities between 2023 and 2024.
• Senior fraternity members Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson are accused of leading the operation, sourcing cocaine from Philadelphia and New York, while others packaged and distributed the drugs primarily at fraternity houses.
• Charges include felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, with some pledges reportedly involved in drug packaging as part of fraternity indoctrination.
• Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension and is conducting its own investigation, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on criminal activity and hazing, while Sigma Chi operates independently of university oversight.
• The university plans to enhance educational and hazing prevention efforts, and Student Affairs will address the charges through the student conduct process, potentially resulting in disciplinary actions including permanent separation.