Bellefonte, Pa. – A former fraternity member from Penn State revealed details of a drug operation involving cocaine during preliminary hearings at the Centre County Courthouse. The accused included Agostino Abbatiello, Mohammed Huraibi, Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson, and Robert Zanolla, part of 14 individuals charged with running the operation through fraternities near campus.
Prosecutors outlined a hierarchy where suppliers, distributors, and fraternity members were implicated in cocaine weighing, packaging, and delivery. Drugs moved from Philadelphia, New York, and Long Island to State College, sold primarily to Penn State students.
Details of the Operation
Thomas Robinson described the purchase of cocaine, starting at 100 grams for roughly $4,000. His involvement included storing, breaking down, and selling the drug in half-gram bags for about $80 each. Robinson testified about additional purchases of up to a kilogram, directly from Abbatiello via Snapchat after Huraibi’s withdrawal.
Robinson shared how Snapchat messages would disappear after 24 hours, mentioning a March 2024 transaction involving 500 grams for $22,000. Purchases in July, September, and November 2024 involved kilograms from Abbatiello, sold mostly to fraternity members.
Defense Challenges
Defense attorneys questioned Robinson’s credibility, noting his cocaine use might have impacted his recollection. Despite admitting his substance use, Robinson confirmed his arrest in December 2024, leading to his fraternity removal.
Huraibi provided additional testimony, discussing bulk cocaine purchases in collaboration with Robinson, including 100 grams and 250 grams, initially packaged themselves before involving fraternity pledges.
Specific Roles and Testimonies
Other members allegedly supported the operation in various capacities, including packaging, delivering, or purchasing cocaine. Michael Brogno Jr. was accused of following Robinson’s direction for packaging and delivery.
Lars Zeepvat depicted Abbatiello’s evolution from personal cocaine use to larger scale selling for profit and popularity. Zeepvat recounted a November 2024 delivery involving 400 grams of cocaine to Delta Upsilon.
Zeepvat and Zanolla were accused of transporting cocaine from New York. In another hearing, Ryan Matson shared how Paul Robinson helped to retrieve hidden evidence, impacting ongoing investigations.
Evidence and Charges
Detective Donald Paul noted the seizure of a safe from Robinson’s room containing cocaine, marijuana, a handgun, and pills. Further insights shared details about the safe’s journey to various locations, with Thomas Robinson’s suspected financial dealings encapsulated within.
Paul Robinson’s defense argued the obscurity regarding safe contents during retrieval, challenging awareness of drug presence.
A judge determined sufficient evidence for charges against Paul Robinson concerning concealment, evidence tampering, and investigation interference. Abbatiello, identified as a major dealer by prosecutors, secured bail at $250,000 after prior detainment.
Philip Masorti, Abbatiello’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with proceedings, anticipating bail posting, commending local justice.
The charges remain to be tested in trial, with all individuals presumed innocent.