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Penn State fraternity cocaine trafficking investigation

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2026-08-20 17:12 UTC → 2026-08-21 03:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Fourteen individuals, including thirteen current or former Penn State University students and one parent, have been charged in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking ring operating through the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities. The investigation, known as ‘Operation Drugs Unlimited,’ indicates the ring was active during 2023 and 2024. Prosecutors allege that Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson acted as primary suppliers, procuring cocaine from Philadelphia and New York to be processed and packaged within off-campus fraternity houses. Investigators claim that for some fraternity pledges, the act of cutting and packaging the drugs was used as a method of indoctrination. Transactions were reportedly facilitated through cash and various mobile payment applications, including Cash App, Venmo, and Snapchat. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated the operation centered around the two senior fraternity ~~members.~~ members, describing it as a ‘coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew.’ Agostino Abbatiello, 24, was denied bail. Thomas Robinson, 23, was arrested in December 2024; court documents state he resisted arrest after mistakenly believing police officers were fraternity brothers playing a prank. Several defendants face felony charges, including conspiracy and corrupt organizations. Among those charged is Paul Robinson, the father of student Thomas Robinson, who is accused of attempting to obstruct the investigation by concealing a safe containing drugs and cash. In response to the findings, Penn State University has placed the Delta Upsilon fraternity on interim suspension, noting that Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization under university oversight.

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