BELLEFONTE, Pa. – Preliminary hearings are underway for a group of individuals charged in a drug operation allegedly functioning through Penn State fraternities. A former fraternity member testified about his involvement in the cocaine trade within the campus area.
The hearings took place in the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Five defendants – Agostino Abbatiello, Mohammed Huraibi, Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson, and Robert Zanolla – were present among 14 people implicated in the alleged drug operation.
A Penn State fraternity member purchased cocaine, transitioning from 100 grams to kilograms, escalating the operation’s scale.
The testimony shed light on the logistics of the operation. Police documents detail a hierarchy of suppliers, distributors, and fraternity members accused of orchestrating cocaine sales. The drugs allegedly flowed into State College from Philadelphia, New York, and Long Island before reaching Penn State students.
Thomas Robinson’s Role
Thomas Robinson, a former member of Delta Upsilon, testified about his drug transactions. Starting with a 100-gram purchase from Abbatiello in 2023, Robinson’s involvement grew significantly. He admitted to storing cocaine in his fraternity room, later selling it in half-gram packets.
Robinson revealed multiple purchases, eventually buying directly from Abbatiello via Snapchat—a communication app where messages disappear after 24 hours. Robinson’s transaction included buying 500 grams for $22,000 and gram purchases throughout 2024.
Fraternity’s Packaging Involvement
Robinson wasn’t alone in handling the cocaine. He claimed fraternity pledges helped package the drugs. He stopped participating in sales after the pledges became involved.
Sourcing and Distribution Network
The complaints identified Abbatiello, portraying him as a key supplier exploiting fraternity ties for distribution. Others, like Michael Brogno Jr., were accused of aiding in cocaine packaging and deliveries.
Lars Zeepvat described Abbatiello’s transition from personal cocaine use to selling for money and popularity. Abbatiello allegedly kept cocaine within fraternity houses, accommodating gatherings for usage.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Challenges
The defense scrutinized Robinson’s credibility, emphasizing his cocaine use during his sales. Robinson admitted the potential effect of drug use on his memory.
Ryan Matson, in a separate hearing, recounted Paul Robinson assisting in recovering a hidden safe containing drugs, cash, and firearm-related items. Paul Robinson’s attorney disputed claims about the safe’s contents when retrieved.
A judge deemed sufficient evidence existed to proceed with charges against Paul Robinson, related to alleged evidence tampering and police interference.
Bail for a Key Figure
Agostino Abbatiello received a $250,000 secured bail, having been previously held without bail. His attorney expressed satisfaction with the court’s decisions.
The accusations remain unproven at trial. Funding for the defendants assumes they are innocent until proven guilty.