US News
Judge sets $250,000 bail for accused Penn State fraternity cocaine ringleader
Agostino Abbatiello was granted bail after previously being held without bond in connection with a multi-person drug trafficking case.
The short version
- Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine set bail at $250,000 for 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello, who prosecutors allege led a cocaine trafficking ring operating out of two Penn State fraternities.
- Abbatiello faces charges including corrupt organizations and conspiracy alongside 13 other arrested individuals.
- Several co-defendants waived preliminary hearings and testified against Abbatiello during the bail hearing.
- As of Wednesday afternoon, court records indicated Abbatiello had not yet posted bail.
Key facts
- Judge Jonathan Grine established bail at $250,000 for Agostino Abbatiello, who was previously held without bail at the Centre County Correctional Facility.[NBC News]
- Prosecutors allege Abbatiello was the primary supplier in a cocaine distribution network that utilized members and pledges from the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities as couriers and packagers.[NBC News]
- Abbatiello is charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity after surrendering to authorities on August 18.[NBC News]
- Thirteen other individuals were arrested in connection with the investigation, and several co-defendants testified against Abbatiello during the bail proceedings.[NBC News]
- Sigma Chi suspended its Penn State chapter following the arrests.[NBC News]
What remains uncertain
- It is uncertain whether Abbatiello will post the $250,000 bail and receive permission to reside with his parents in Long Island, New York, while his trial proceeds.[NBC News]
Sources
- Judge sets $250,000 bail for accused Penn State cocaine trafficking ringleaderNBC News - Top Stories