Penn State frat brothers charged with running cocaine trafficking ring

Two fraternities at Penn State University, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi, are embroiled in a cocaine trafficking scandal. According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, 14 individuals, including two ex-students and fraternity members, have been charged in connection with the alleged ring. The cocaine was allegedly cut and packaged at the fraternities before being distributed to other Penn State students, primarily in 2023 and 2024.

Two former students, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, are identified as the main suppliers, making frequent trips from Philadelphia and New York to bring large quantities of cocaine back to Penn State. The attorney general's office alleges that the fraternity brothers and pledges were involved in cutting and packaging the drugs, with some pledging seeing it as part of their initiation into the organizations.

Thirteen of the charged individuals are current Penn State students, while the 14th defendant, Paul Robinson, is the father of a student. Robinson is accused of obstructing the investigation by attempting to conceal evidence. Penn State has suspended Delta Upsilon on an interim basis and does not recognize Sigma Chi as an official organization. The charged individuals face various felony charges, including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, as well as misdemeanor charges.