New Jersey Residents Among 14 Charged in Penn State Fraternity Drug Ring
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
STATE COLLEGE, PA — A massive multi-state drug trafficking operation revolving around Penn State University students and two prominent campus fraternities has been dismantled by law enforcement.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and the State College Police Department announced charges against 14 individuals following an extensive investigation by the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Among those charged are three New Jersey residents.
How the Operation Worked: From Major Cities to Campus Frats
According to court records and the grand jury presentment, the sophisticated drug ring obtained large quantities of cocaine from major supply hubs in Philadelphia and New York.
Once transported back to State College, the cocaine was processed, cut, and packaged primarily inside two Penn State fraternity houses:
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Delta Upsilon
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Sigma Chi
The drugs were then distributed mainly to Penn State students, with transactions handled through cash payments and peer-to-peer payment apps.
“This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges,” said Attorney General Dave Sunday. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
Key Defendants and Major Felony Charges
Of the 14 individuals charged, 13 were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged crimes (2023–2024), and at least four remain current students.
Alleged Ring Leaders & Suppliers
The grand jury identified Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the main suppliers. Abbatiello, Robinson, along with Mohammed Huraibi (Secaucus, NJ) and Lars Zeepvat (Mendham, NJ), face major felony charges including:
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Felony Corrupt Organizations
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Criminal Conspiracy
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Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Activity
A fifth defendant, Robert Zanolla, faces felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.
Evidence Tampering Charge
The 14th defendant, Paul Robinson—the father of one of the students—was charged with felony tampering with evidence and hindering apprehension after allegedly attempting to conceal a safe containing illegal drugs and cash from investigators.
New Jersey Residents & Additional Charges
Court records identify three New Jersey residents facing charges in connection with the investigation:
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Mohammed Huraibi – Secaucus, NJ (Felony charges)
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Lars Zeepvat – Mendham, NJ (Felony charges)
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Kaden Howe – Monmouth Junction, NJ (Misdemeanor charges)
Eight additional student-aged defendants face misdemeanor counts of drug possession and paraphernalia: Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.
The case will be prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Drug Strike Force Section.
Note: Criminal charges are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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