3 NJ residents charged in alleged cocaine trafficking ring involving Penn State students
Pennsylvania authorities say cocaine was obtained in Philadelphia and New York, then cut and packaged primarily at two fraternity houses before being distributed to students.
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Three New Jersey residents are among 14 people charged in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking ring involving Penn State University students and two fraternities, according to Pennsylvania authorities.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and State College police announced the charges Monday following an investigation by a statewide grand jury.
Court records identify Mohammed Huraibi of Secaucus, Lars Zeepvat of Mendham and Kaden Howe of Monmouth Junction among those charged.
Authorities say the operation involved primarily college students and the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities. Thirteen of the 14 defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged conduct in 2023 and 2024. At least four are current students.
According to investigators and a grand jury presentment, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson served as the operation's main suppliers, regularly traveling to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine. Authorities say the cocaine was then cut and packaged primarily at the two fraternity houses and distributed mainly to Penn State students.
Huraibi and Zeepvat, along with Abbatiello and Robinson, face felony charges including offenses related to corrupt organizations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, according to the Attorney General's Office. Howe is among eight defendants facing misdemeanor drug possession and paraphernalia charges.
"This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges," Sunday said in a statement. "In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities."
The father of one student, Paul Robinson, is accused of concealing evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
(Pictured: Lars Zeepvat, Mohammed Huraibi)
