Penn State drug bust: 14 charged in off-campus fraternity-based cocaine ring

STATE COLLEGE - Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges at 10:30 a.m. Monday against 14 people, mostly current or former Penn State students, in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking ring centered around two off-campus Greek organizations: Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon.

What we know:

Authorities allege the operation focused on off-campus fraternity houses for Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi, where cocaine was brought in large quantities from Philadelphia and New York throughout 2023 and 2024, according to Sunday.

"The evidence showed that cocaine was primarily packaged at the fraternity houses, and that packaging was done by fraternity brothers and often time pledges," said Sunday.

Two main individuals, Agostino Abati and Thomas Robinson, both senior fraternity members, allegedly led the operation. 

"Agostino Abati was at the very top of the chain, Thomas Robinson was a rung below that on the ladder," Sunday said. 

The investigation found that packaging drugs was considered a pledge task during fraternity initiations, Sunday said.

The packaging and drug distribution occurred off campus, with no evidence the packaging happened on Penn State’s campus, Sunday said. Law enforcement officials have not charged anyone with hazing-related crimes and stated the investigation remains ongoing.

What they're saying:

"We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students," Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs at Penn State, said in a statement. "Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can."

"We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations," she added. 

Following the news, Penn State immediately suspended Delta Upsilon while its student conduct office launches an internal inquiry, the school added. The university said it will handle disciplinary proceedings for both the fraternity and any current students involved, while noting that Sigma Chi is an unrecognized group operating entirely outside university jurisdiction.

Penn State added that regardless of criminal trial outcomes, the university’s independent conduct process can lead to permanent expulsion for students and full revocation of an organization's status.

Dig deeper:

Five main individuals face felony charges, including corrupt organizations and conspiracy, while eight others were charged with misdemeanors tied to drug possession and paraphernalia. 

A warrant was issued for Abati, and Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson's father, is accused of trying to hide evidence, Sunday said. None of the 14 individuals charged are currently Penn State students, according to Sunday.

What's next:

Most defendants with felony charges were arraigned after the criminal complaints were filed, except for Abati fellow, whose arrest warrant is active.

Sunday emphasized the seriousness of the charges and warned that law enforcement will continue monitoring student conduct related to drug activity.

"Not only have we filed these charges, but I promise you that we will be watching, for students who think about going to college, being away from home for the first time... there are always going to be ramifications for your actions," said Sunday.