Pennsylvania cocaine trafficking case has ties to 2 fraternities

A major cocaine trafficking case in Pennsylvania has led to more than a dozen people being charged, according to prosecutors. The investigation, which targeted the years of 2023 and 2024, revealed a complex operation involving two fraternities, Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon, at Penn State University. Thirteen of the 14 defendants were Penn State students at the time of the alleged crimes, while the remaining defendant was the father of a student. Eight other defendants, all students, were charged with misdemeanor possession offenses.

The accused individuals were primarily responsible for procuring cocaine from Philadelphia and New York, then packaging it at the two fraternities' houses for distribution to other Penn State students. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday emphasized the severity of the alleged conduct, stating that the operation was organized and sophisticated.

Four defendants faced charges related to a corrupt organization, while the fifth was accused of conspiracy. One defendant allegedly attempted to obstruct the investigation by tampering with evidence.

Fraternity officials were aware of the allegations and took action against those involved. Delta Upsilon expelled the implicated members, while Sigma Chi members faced disciplinary actions. Attorney General Sunday noted that the fraternities served as key distribution points for the cocaine, which was not found to be packaged on the Penn State campus itself.