Testimony Highlights Cocaine Trafficking Allegations at Penn State Fraternities

During preliminary hearings at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, a former Penn State fraternity member testified about his involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation. The testimony was part of a case involving 14 individuals accused of running a drug operation through fraternities near the campus.

Prosecutors detailed the organizational structure of the alleged network, which included suppliers, distributors, and fraternity members involved in the packaging and delivery of cocaine. The drugs were reportedly brought to State College from Philadelphia, New York, and Long Island and then sold to students at Penn State.

Thomas Robinson, a former Delta Upsilon fraternity member, provided testimony about purchasing cocaine from Agostino Abbatiello, another defendant. Initially, Robinson and Mohammed Huraibi bought approximately 100 grams of cocaine, escalating to larger amounts over time. According to Robinson, they initially managed the packaging but later engaged pledges to assist in these efforts.

The defense questioned Robinson’s credibility, noting his cocaine use while selling it. Robinson admitted that his drug use could have impaired his memory. He was arrested in December 2024 and subsequently removed from the fraternity.

Another defendant, Lars Zeepvat, described Abbatiello’s alleged drug sales as initially stemming from personal use before expanding for financial gain. Zeepvat testified that Abbatiello would occasionally store cocaine in fraternity houses where students would gather.

Ryan Matson also testified that Paul Robinson helped him retrieve a safe containing drugs and money hidden in the woods. Despite initially keeping this information from investigators, Matson eventually disclosed the location of the safe.

Detective Donald Paul testified about seizing the safe from Thomas Robinson’s fraternity room. The contents included cocaine, marijuana, a handgun, and Adderall pills.

Paul Robinson’s attorney challenged the evidence presented by the prosecution, questioning whether Robinson was aware of the safe’s contents. However, a judge ruled there was enough evidence for charges against Paul Robinson to proceed.

Agostino Abbatiello, considered a key figure in the operation, was granted $250,000 secured bail after initially being held without bail. His attorney, Philip Masorti, expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.

All of the allegations have yet to be proven at trial, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.