The alleged leader of a Cocaine distribution operation tied to Penn State University fraternities is now in custody after turning himself in to authorities Tuesday.
According to Fox News, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, surrendered Tuesday morning.
Abbatiello had failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment Monday and was later arraigned on what officials described as "numerous felonies."
A judge denied Abbatiello bail, according to Sunday. He is one of 14 men charged in the investigation into an alleged Cocaine trafficking operation connected to off-campus fraternity houses.
Authorities allege the operation ran through Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi houses from 2023 into 2024. The criminal complaint also alleges Abbatiello continued selling Cocaine as recently as February.
Investigators say Abbatiello made tens of thousands of dollars through the alleged drug sales.
In one transaction described in court documents, a co-defendant allegedly purchased more than $50,000 worth of Cocaine from Abbatiello using a combination of cash and digital payments.
Authorities also allege that fraternity pledges were involved in preparing the drugs for distribution. Sunday said some pledges were ordered to cut and package kilograms of Cocaine as part of what prosecutors described as "indoctrination" rituals.
The complaint alleges Abbatiello also used debts to pressure people into participating in the operation. Investigators say one fraternity member was ordered to deliver Cocaine after failing to repay a $1,500 spring break loan, while another allegedly began selling drugs after owing Abbatiello thousands of dollars.
Prosecutors say Penn State students accounted for most of the alleged Cocaine sales. Investigators also allege that the drugs were supplied through Philadelphia and New York.
At Abbatiello's family home in Westbury, a man who identified himself as his father, Mario, declined to discuss the allegations Tuesday. He directed questions to his son's attorney, Phillip Misorti.
Neighbors described the family as financially comfortable and said they were surprised to see Abbatiello's name connected to the investigation.
One neighbor said the family had been "pretty nice people next door."
Sunday said authorities believe the most significant figures in the alleged operation are now in custody.
"We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this Cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court," Sunday said. "These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings."
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.