Dorothy

In a press release announcing charges against the suspects, Attorney General Dave Sunday’s office said two of the accused, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, were the alleged suppliers who made trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up large batches of cocaine.

A fifth student, Robert Zanolla, was charged with felony conspiracy, criminal use of communication facility and other related misdemeanors.

Four people are charged with conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, felony corrupt organizations and other offenses. Another defendant is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.

Robert Zanolla, also 24, was “charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.”

Another defendant is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as related misdemeanors. Eight other “student-aged” defendants face misdemeanor counts of paraphernalia and possession.

“This is very serious criminal conduct. There was nothing junior or childlike about this type of conduct,” Sunday said at a news conference, according to the Associated Press. “This was an upper level trafficking organization for this region in Pennsylvania.”

In his comments about the case, Sunday said, “This is very serious criminal conduct. There was nothing junior or child-like about this conduct — this was an upper-level trafficking organization for this region of Pennsylvania.”

Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s vice-president for student affairs, said in a statement: “We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students.”

The university has taken action against Delta Upsilon, putting the entire fraternity on a temporary suspension — but because Sigma Chi is not an officially recognized fraternity at Penn State, that house is not under a similar suspension.

Court documents did not list a lawyer who could speak on Robinson’s behalf. Penn State said it placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension, noting Sigma Chi is not recognized by the university and is not subject to its oversight.

Both of the fraternities linked to the case announced by Sunday were off campus. Delta Upsilon, which Penn State placed on interim probation pending a university investigation, told the AP that the fraternity was aware of law enforcement allegations and that alleged Delta Upsilon-linked participants were thrown out or suspended if they didn’t first resign.

Eight defendants are charged with misdemeanor drug possession. Paul Robinson, the father of a student who was accused with Abbatiello of being one of the ring’s two main suppliers, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension and obstructing the investigation. Authorities say he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.