An investigation into an alleged cocaine trafficking operation centered around two Penn State fraternity houses has resulted in charges against 15 people, including two former students authorities describe as the ring’s primary suppliers.
Court documents released as part of the case provide new details about the December 2024 arrest of Thomas Robinson, who investigators say sold cocaine from the Delta Upsilon fraternity house.
According to a grand jury report released Monday by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Robinson sold cocaine to confidential informants six times between September and December 2024.
When detectives entered Robinson’s room to arrest him, he initially believed his fraternity brothers were playing a prank, according to a criminal complaint. Robinson threatened officers before being Tasered and handcuffed. He later told police he had thought the arrest was a joke.
Investigators searching the room reported finding about 220 grams of marijuana, pill bottles, drug paraphernalia and a Kimber .45-caliber handgun in a safe, along with a magazine containing seven rounds of ammunition.
The investigation began after an informant told police that a man known as “T-Rob” was selling large quantities of cocaine from Delta Upsilon and accepting payments through a Venmo account bearing Robinson’s name.
Following his arrest, Robinson identified former Penn State student Agostino Abbatiello, a Sigma Chi member, as his cocaine supplier, according to the grand jury report.
Authorities allege Robinson and Abbatiello were the operation’s main suppliers and regularly traveled to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine. The grand jury investigation detailed transactions in which Robinson allegedly bought 500 grams of cocaine from Abbatiello for $18,000 and another kilogram for $22,000.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said witnesses described Abbatiello as the largest cocaine dealer serving Penn State students. Abbatiello surrendered Tuesday and was arraigned on multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy.
Robinson faced more than 10 felony charges following his 2024 arrest. Penn State said he was last enrolled in spring 2025.
Robinson’s father, Pittsburgh-area attorney Paul Robinson, is the only nonstudent charged in the investigation. Authorities accuse him of concealing a safe containing drugs and cash. His attorney has maintained his innocence.
Source: CBS