The defendants recently had preliminary hearings or waived hearings
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that six people charged with felonies regarding a cocaine-trafficking ring involving Penn State University students had their cases bound over to Centre County Court, following preliminary hearings and waivers of hearings.
Among those in court Wednesday was Agostino Abbatiello, the main supplier for the student-run trafficking operation involving two off-campus fraternities, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi.
On Wednesday, witnesses testified that Abbatiello boasted about his wealth and status atop the trafficking ring. Witnesses described how cocaine was brought to the fraternity homes and how it was trafficked.
Following the hearing, Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine ordered that Abbatiello be tried in county court on all charges. The same order was issued regarding five other defendants charged with felonies — Mohammed Huraibi, Thomas Robinson, Paul Robinson (Thomas’s father), Robert Zanolla, and Lars Zeepvat.
Paul Robinson opted for a hearing, and all charges were held for county court. The other defendants waived hearings.
“These were essential steps in the prosecution of defendants who each had very significant roles in this upper-level trafficking operation,” Attorney General Sunday said. “There was testimony today that corroborated our charges alleging drug-dealing for a period of years, mainly involving college students and fraternities.”
Also Wednesday, President Judge Jonathan Grine adjusted Abbatiello’s bail to $250,000 secured. Senior Deputy Attorney General Megan McGoron asked that if bail is posted, it is proven that funds are from a legitimate source. If Abbatiello posts bail, he must surrender his passport and is prohibited from having any contact with witnesses in the case.
In all, 14 people are charged. Thirteen of the charged defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024. Paul Robinson is charged with felony hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
Eight defendants facing misdemeanors have preliminary hearings scheduled for October.
According to the investigation and a grand jury presentment, Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main suppliers for the criminal organization, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine.
DEFENSE MOTION ADDRESSED
Also in court Wednesday, President Judge Grine addressed a motion from Abbatiello’s defense counsel that alleged impropriety from the Office of Attorney General regarding preliminary arraignments last month and which magisterial district judge handled them.
The judge dismissed the defense allegations and deemed that arraignment process as routine.
State College Police Department filed charges. The cases are being prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General Drug Strike Force Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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