In Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, a former fraternity member from Penn State gave a detailed account of his involvement in a drug network allegedly operating through fraternities near the university campus. The testimony came during a preliminary hearing for five defendants accused of participating in this network, part of a larger group of 14 individuals facing charges.
Throughout the hearing, prosecutors outlined a complex hierarchy involving suppliers, distributors, and fraternity members engaged in the transportation and sale of cocaine. The drugs were reportedly sourced from Philadelphia, New York, and Long Island, with the intention of distributing them to Penn State students.
Thomas Robinson, a former Delta Upsilon member, confessed to participating in cocaine transactions that began in 2023. His first purchase amounted to about 100 grams for $4,000.
Robinson revealed other purchases increasing in size to 1-kilogram batches. He recounted communication via Snapchat with Abbatiello, his primary supplier, noting that messages disappeared after 24 hours. By March 2024, Robinson had allegedly bought 500 grams of cocaine for approximately $22,000.
The complaints describe Agostino Abbatiello as a leading figure in the drug operation, utilizing fraternity connections to distribute cocaine. Two other defendants, Mohammed Huraibi and Robert Zanolla, are accused of aiding in these operations.
The defense questioned Robinson’s reliability, highlighting his drug use while selling cocaine. Robinson admitted his use might have impaired his memory. He was arrested in December 2024 and removed from his fraternity.
Mohammed Huraibi also testified about collaborating with Robinson to buy and sell cocaine in bulk. He recalled purchasing 100 grams for $4,000 in August 2023 and 250 grams for $10,000 in November. Initially, they packaged the cocaine themselves, later involving fraternity pledges.
Prosecutors have identified additional fraternity members accused of assisting with activities like packaging, transportation, or purchasing of cocaine. Some used tools like digital scales or managed deliveries.
Lars Zeepvat, implicated in sourcing and moving drugs, stated that Abbatiello’s sales began from personal use but soon shifted toward profit and popularity.
Zeepvat described how Abbatiello stored cocaine in fraternity houses, recounting an alleged delivery to Delta Upsilon in November 2024. Other testimonies suggest trips to New York by defendants like Zeepvat and Zanolla to secure cocaine supplies.
In another hearing, Ryan Matson testified about his involvement in recovering a safe allegedly containing drugs, initially hidden in the woods. The safe, linked to Thomas Robinson, purportedly had drugs, cash, and a firearm when seized by authorities.
Detective Donald Paul confirmed the contents of Thomas Robinson’s safe during a police search, uncovering cocaine, marijuana, a handgun, and Adderall. Paul Robinson’s defense argued that prosecutors failed to prove what was inside the safe at the time of its recovery.
Charges against Paul Robinson for interfering with police efforts and tampering with evidence were confirmed to proceed. Despite the severity of these allegations, Abbatiello’s attorney expressed confidence following his client’s release on a $250,000 bail.
All allegations remain unproven; the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.