Morris County man among 14 charged in alleged Penn State cocaine-trafficking operation
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (Centre County) — A 24-year-old Morris County man is among 14 people charged in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation involving primarily college students and two Penn State University fraternities, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
Lars Zeepvat, 24, of Mendham, is charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses, according to the attorney general’s office.
The charges stem from an investigation by the State College Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.
Thirteen of the 14 defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged conduct in 2023 and 2024, according to authorities. The 14th defendant, the father of a student, is accused of tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation. Authorities clarified that at least four of those charged are current students.
According to investigators and a grand jury presentment, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson allegedly served as the main suppliers for the group, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine.
Authorities allege the cocaine was then cut and packaged, primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses, before being distributed mainly to Penn State students.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Zeepvat and Mohammed Hurabi are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses.
“This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges,” Attorney General Sunday said. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
A fifth defendant, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanors.
Eight other defendants — Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman — face misdemeanor charges of possession and paraphernalia, according to the attorney general’s office.
Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension. Authorities allege he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructed the investigation.
Investigators used several methods to track those allegedly involved and determine how the cocaine was obtained, packaged and sold. Authorities said most payments were made with cash or through payment apps.
