Baby-faced alleged ringleader of Penn State cocaine ring has turned himself in, prosecutors say

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 01:51, 19 August 2026 | Updated: 01:51, 19 August 2026 The man accused of leading an alleged cocaine trafficking ring at Penn State University has turned himself in, according to prosecutors, after more than a dozen people were charged on Monday morning.  Agostino Abbatiello, 24, surrendered along with two others on Tuesday morning after an investigation uncovered the alleged drug ring running through two off-campus fraternities, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi, the attorney general's office said. 'We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court,' Attorney General Dave Sunday said on Tuesday. 'These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings.' Abbatiello was arraigned over numerous alleged felonies, including multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy, Attorney General Sunday said.   The Long Island native and Thomas Robinson are the two people accused of being at the 'very top of the chain' in the alleged drug ring. Both allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for 'large quantities of cocaine,' according to the Attorney General. 'This was a coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers and pledges,' Sunday previously said.  Agostino Abbatiello, 24, surrendered on Tuesday after an investigation uncovered an alleged drug ring running through two off-campus fraternities at Penn State, prosecutors say More than a dozen Penn State students in two off-campus fraternities face drug-related charges after members allegedly cut and packaged cocaine and distributed it to others Both Robinson, above, and Abbatiello allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for 'large quantities of cocaine' 'In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.'  Court documents obtained by Fox News alleged the suspect made tens of thousands of dollars in profit from the trafficking ring.  A co-defendant told investigators that, in one transaction, he purchased over $50,000 worth of the drug from Abbatiello through cash and digital transactions, the outlet reported.  Neighbors of the alleged drug ringleader told Fox News that Abbatiello 'had a good job in accounting.' 'His father said he had a nice job in accounting. He was doing well,' they added.  The neighbor added that Abbatiello and his siblings were 'spoon-fed.' 'They weren’t the kind of kids to take the garbage out or shovel the snow,' they said.   Abbatiello was said to have failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on Monday morning, according to the attorney general's office.  Mohammed Hurabi (left) and Lars Zeepvat (right) were charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and other offenses Robert Zanolla (left) was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as other misdemeanor charges. Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson's father (right), was charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation Michael Church, Sigma Chi's executive director, said in a statement that the allegations are 'an egregious violation of our values' and all three members charged have been suspended He and Robinson were two of four charged; Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat were charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and other offenses.  A fifth person, Robert Zanolla, was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as other misdemeanor charges, the release stated.  Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson's father, was charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.  'In all, 13 defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024,' the release from the attorney general's office stated. Of those charged, four are current Penn State students, according to the attorney general's office.  Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs at Penn State University, said: 'We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students. '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.' Abbatiello (left) and Robinson (right) stand accused of being the main suppliers for the frats 'We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations,' Dowhower added. The university said in a statement that Delta Upsilon would be placed on interim suspension, and that Sigma Chi operates outside of the university and is not recognized as an organization.  Michael Church, Sigma Chi's executive director, said in a statement to the outlet that the allegations are 'an egregious violation of our values' and that all three members charged in the investigation have been suspended.  The Daily Mail has approached representatives for Abbatiello, Delta Upsilon and the attorney general's office for comment.