Penn State Cocaine Trafficking Scandal: Details and Allegations
Authorities recently arrested fourteen individuals connected to a cocaine trafficking ring operating at Penn State University. These suspects, including current and former students, allegedly utilized popular cash apps and social media platforms such as Snapchat to distribute cocaine. Below is a detailed examination of each suspect involved according to the Attorney General’s office in Pennsylvania.
Agostino Abbatiello
Role: Alleged kingpin
Hometown: Westbury, New York
Age: 24
Major: Accounting
Fraternity: Sigma Chi
Agostino Abbatiello, referred to as “Pablo Pledgescobar” by prosecutors, reportedly topped the hierarchy within the operation. He turned himself in, was arraigned, and denied bail.
Thomas Robinson
Role: Downstream logistics/distribution
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Age: 22
Major: Human Resources and Management
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Robinson allegedly played a key role in the distribution of cocaine to Penn State students, using Snapchat to facilitate sales. An informant who wore a wire and purchased drugs from Robinson helped lead authorities to Abbatiello.
Mohammed Huraibi
Role: Early distributor
Hometown: Secaucus, New Jersey
Age: 22
Major: Accounting/Finance
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Court documents state that Huraibi introduced Robinson to Abbatiello. He initially shared in bulk cocaine purchases before attempting to leave the partnership while continuing to sell drugs.
Lars Zeepvat
Role: Business partner and distributor
Hometown: Mendham, New Jersey
Age: 24
Major: Accounting
Fraternity: Sigma Chi
Zeepvat reportedly sourced cocaine from Philadelphia and worked closely with Abbatiello.
Robert Zanolla
Role: Transportation of cocaine
Hometown: Manhasset, New York
Age: 24
Major: Unlisted
Fraternity: Sigma Chi
Zanolla allegedly worked with Zeepvat to transport cocaine from New York City to State College.
Paul Robinson
Role: Evidence concealment
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Age: 59
Paul Robinson, father to Thomas Robinson, is accused of helping conceal evidence related to the drug operation.
Michael Brogno Jr.
Role: Packaging
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland
Age: 20
Major: Finance
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Brogno Jr. was allegedly involved in packaging cocaine as directed by Robinson.
Kaden Howe
Role: Delivery assistance
Hometown: Monmouth Court, New Jersey
Age: 22
Major: Energy Engineering
Fraternity: Acacia
Howe faces charges related to purchasing and delivering cocaine.
Connor Hurleigh
Role: Packaging and delivery assistance
Hometown: Oakdale, New York
Age: 22
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Hurleigh is accused of purchasing, packaging, and delivering cocaine under Robinson’s direction.
Seth Beardsley
Role: Packaging support
Hometown: Mechanicsburgh, Pennsylvania
Age: 20
Major: Supply Chain Information Systems
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Beardsley allegedly assisted in packaging cocaine, using a digital scale under Robinson’s supervision.
Daniel Price
Role: Packaging support
Hometown: Media, Pennsylvania
Age: 21
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Price faces misdemeanor charges related to the cocaine operation.
Kyle Ridpath
Role: Packaging help
Hometown: Media, Pennsylvania
Age: 21
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Ridpath also faces misdemeanor charges.
Liam Smith
Role: Purchaser/Packaging
Hometown: Garden City, New Jersey
Age: 23
Smith allegedly purchased cocaine from Abbatiello and helped in packaging.
Charlie Weisman
Role: Packaging assistance
Hometown: Mount Airy, Maryland
Age: 20
Major: Chemical Engineering
Fraternity: Delta Upsilon
Weisman reportedly assisted Robinson by packaging cocaine using a digital scale.