Fourteen individuals, including 13 former students of Penn State University, have been charged in relation to a cocaine trafficking operation based out of two fraternity houses. The operation allegedly targeted Penn State students, with cocaine being cut and packaged at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses for distribution on campus.
Among those charged, one individual is the father of a student, while at least four of the accused are still students. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that the operation was a coordinated drug-trafficking crew involving senior fraternity members and pledges, with some pledges reportedly being indoctrinated through the cutting and packaging of cocaine.
The main suppliers identified were fraternity brothers Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, who transported large quantities of cocaine between Philadelphia and New York. They, along with Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, face serious charges including felony corrupt organizations and conspiracy. A fifth student, Robert Zanolla, has been charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, while the remaining eight students face misdemeanor charges related to possession and paraphernalia.
In response to the charges, Penn State announced that Delta Upsilon would be placed on interim suspension, while Sigma Chi is not recognized by the university and operates independently.