Defense seeks 'speedy trial' for alleged ringleader of Penn State fraternity cocaine ring
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — The man charged as the alleged ringleader in the recent Penn State fraternity cocaine case is now asking for quicker court proceedings to get his case to trial.
In fact, in a new court filing, his attorney says they hope to have the trial within a few months.
“Time is of the essence.” That is what Agostino Abbatiello’s attorney wrote in a new motion asking for a speedy trial procedure.
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For Abbatiello and his family, his defense claims that the circumstances surrounding his case have been aggravated by excessive media coverage and ask that the case proceed to trial at the earliest, reasonable opportunity.
Abbatiello is accused of heading a cocaine distribution ring that prosecutors say brought large amounts of cocaine to State College and was distributed through two off-campus fraternities.
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Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, during the July press conference, confirmed that the man identified as Abbatiello’s top assistant --- Thomas Michael Robinson --- was first arrested in December of 2024.
In the new court motion, Abbatiello’s attorney argues that the prosecution has had plenty of time to gather evidence and objects to any delays, with his client expected to appear for jury selection in early in December, and the trial to follow later in the month.
However, the last we heard from the prosecution, the case is still a work in progress.
“At this time, I will note this is an ongoing investigation; there are certain secrecy aspects that are still in place.”
The defense says their objective is straight forward in wanting to get to trial, and wants the discovery process to review all evidence to begin now.