Tiered distribution networks rely on separation between layers to contain exposure when the lower rungs are compromised. Pennsylvania's Office of the Attorney General alleges the cocaine operation running through Penn State's Greek community failed on that count. Individual complaints released this week name 14 defendants across Sigma Chi, Delta Upsilon, and Acacia fraternities, with Agostino Abbatiello, 24, an accounting major from Westbury, New York, placed at the top of the alleged hierarchy. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
Alleged supply chain structure
Prosecutors describe the operation in tiers. At the procurement level, Abbatiello faces numerous felony charges. Lars Zeepvat, 24, a Sigma Chi accounting major and close friend of Abbatiello, brought an existing cocaine source in Philadelphia to the partnership, according to court documents. Robert Zanolla, another Sigma Chi member from Manhasset, New York, allegedly made three trips to New York City to transport the drug back to the State College area at Abbatiello's direction.
Thomas Robinson, 22, a Delta Upsilon member studying human resources and management, is accused of distributing cocaine from his fraternity and using Snapchat to manage sales to Penn State students. Mohammed Huraibi, 22, an accounting and finance major also in Delta Upsilon, is described in filings as an early distributor who introduced Robinson to Abbatiello. The two initially split the cost of bulk purchases before Huraibi attempted to exit the arrangement in late 2023, though court documents allege he continued selling to a contact at another fraternity afterward.
The lower tier handled weighing, packaging, and delivery. Michael Brogno Jr., 20, a finance major in Delta Upsilon, is accused of packaging and delivering cocaine at Robinson's direction as a pledge. Seth Beardsley, 20, a supply chain information systems major, allegedly packaged cocaine and operated a digital scale under Robinson's supervision. Charlie Weisman, 20, a chemical engineering major, is alleged to have packaged cocaine in baggies and used a digital scale for Robinson. Liam Smith, 23, allegedly purchased cocaine from Abbatiello at least ten times while the two were roommates and assisted with packaging on five occasions. Kaden Howe, 22, an energy engineering major in Acacia, faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly purchasing and delivering cocaine sourced from Robinson and Huraibi.
How investigators made the case
Detectives relied on confidential informants. One informant who made purchases directly from Robinson surfaced the wider operation. Once arrested, Robinson identified Abbatiello as his source.
Connor Hurleigh, Daniel Price, and Kyle Ridpath, all Delta Upsilon members, face misdemeanor charges tied to packaging and delivery. Paul Robinson, 59, Thomas Robinson's father, is accused of possessing a safe containing cocaine and cash linked to his son's alleged dealings.