Fourteen people, including current and former students, face charges in an alleged cocaine distribution operation connected to Penn State University. Complaints filed by Pennsylvania authorities describe a structure involving alleged suppliers, distributors, couriers and people accused of packaging or delivering the drug. Investigators say Snapchat and cash-payment applications were used to sell cocaine to students. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The operation was publicly announced in August 2026, with alleged activity centered around State College and two fraternity houses. The complaints describe different levels of alleged involvement, from the person prosecutors identify as the operation’s leader to individuals facing misdemeanor charges for limited support roles.
The following account summarizes allegations contained in the complaints and does not establish guilt.
| 1) | Alleged leadership and distribution network |
| 2) | Early partners and cocaine sourcing |
| 3) | Transportation and alleged concealment |
| 4) | Packaging and delivery support |
| 5) | Charges, investigation and legal status |
Alleged leadership and distribution network
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, is identified by prosecutors as the alleged leader of the operation. An accounting major and Sigma Chi member, Abbatiello is accused of coordinating the broader network and faces numerous felony charges. Authorities said he turned himself in on a Tuesday morning, was arraigned and was denied bail.
Thomas Robinson, 22, of Pittsburgh, is described as responsible for downstream logistics and distribution. A Delta Upsilon member studying human resources and management, Robinson allegedly sold cocaine from his fraternity house and used Snapchat to reach Penn State students. Investigators say a confidential informant purchased drugs from him, helping expose the alleged operation. Robinson allegedly later identified Abbatiello as a partner after his arrest.
Early partners and cocaine sourcing
Mohammed Huraibi, 22, of Secaucus, New Jersey, is described as an early distributor. The accounting and finance major, associated with Delta Upsilon, allegedly introduced Robinson to Abbatiello. Court documents say Huraibi and Robinson initially shared the cost of bulk cocaine purchases before Huraibi tried to leave that arrangement in late 2023.
Despite allegedly stepping away from the bulk partnership, Huraibi is accused of continuing to sell cocaine to a person connected with another fraternity. Lars Zeepvat, 24, of Mendham, New Jersey, is identified as an alleged business partner of Abbatiello and a distributor. A Sigma Chi member studying accounting, Zeepvat allegedly used a Philadelphia contact to obtain cocaine after arriving at Penn State and supplied the operation through that connection.
Transportation and alleged concealment
Robert Zanolla, 24, of Manhasset, New York, is accused of helping transport cocaine from New York City to the State College area. The Sigma Chi member allegedly worked with Zeepvat on trips to obtain drugs, with Abbatiello allegedly offering payment for the service. Court filings describe three such trips.
Paul Robinson, 59, of Pittsburgh, is accused of helping his son, Thomas Robinson, conceal evidence. The complaint alleges that he possessed a safe containing cocaine and cash connected to his son’s alleged drug activity. His alleged role differs from the student defendants because it concerns the concealment of evidence rather than direct distribution.
Packaging and delivery support
Michael Brogno Jr., 20, of Ellicott City, Maryland, is accused of packaging and delivering cocaine at Robinson’s direction. Kaden Howe, 22, of Monmouth Court, New Jersey, faces misdemeanor charges over allegations that he purchased and delivered cocaine from Robinson and Huraibi.
Connor Hurleigh, 22, of Oakdale, New York, allegedly purchased cocaine from Robinson and helped package and deliver it. Seth Beardsley, 20, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is accused of packaging cocaine and using a digital scale under Robinson’s direction. Daniel Price, 21, and Kyle Ridpath, 21, both listed as being from Media, Pennsylvania, face misdemeanor charges and are identified in the complaints as having packaging-related alleged roles.
Liam Smith, 23, of Garden City, New Jersey, allegedly bought cocaine from Abbatiello while they were roommates on at least 10 occasions. He is also accused of helping package the drug five times. Charlie Weisman, 20, of Mount Airy, Maryland, allegedly helped Robinson place cocaine into bags and weigh it with a digital scale.
Charges, investigation and legal status
Pennsylvania authorities announced the arrests and charges in August 2026 after an investigation that used confidential informants and reviewed alleged sales activity. Complaints say cocaine was cut and packaged at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi houses before being distributed to students away from campus. Snapchat allegedly helped connect buyers and sellers, while cash applications were reportedly used for payments.
The complaints assign felony charges to alleged organizers and distributors, while several people accused of packaging, purchasing or making deliveries face misdemeanor charges. The filings do not describe identical conduct by every defendant, and some affiliations or academic majors are not listed. The allegations will be tested through the criminal court process.
| No. | Key point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fourteen people face charges in the alleged Penn State cocaine operation. |
| 2 | Authorities allege that Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon houses were used for parts of the operation. |
| 3 | Snapchat was allegedly used to distribute cocaine to students. |
| 4 | The complaints describe alleged roles ranging from sourcing and transport to packaging and delivery. |
| 5 | Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. |
Summary
The complaints portray an alleged cocaine network with separate responsibilities for leadership, sourcing, transportation, distribution and packaging. Investigators say the activity involved fraternity locations and digital communication tools, but the allegations against the 14 defendants vary significantly. The case remains pending, and its claims must be resolved in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were charged?
Fourteen people were arrested or charged in connection with the alleged operation, according to Pennsylvania authorities.
Where did authorities say the alleged activity occurred?
The complaints identify the State College area and allege that cocaine was packaged or distributed through the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternity houses.
What evidence helped investigators develop the case?
Authorities said confidential informants, alleged Snapchat sales and other investigative work helped identify the suspected distribution network.
Have the defendants been found guilty?
No. The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
