The first wave of preliminary hearings in the alleged drug trafficking ring case that involved three off-campus fraternity houses is set to begin on Wednesday, September 2.

While not every defendant will be present for Wednesday’s hearings — Charlie Weisman, Liam Smith, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, Connor Hurleigh, Kaden Howe, Michael Brogno, and Seth Beardsley are scheduled for October 14 — four former or current Penn State students will be.

The hearings will determine whether the Commonwealth has established a prima facie case against each defendant, meaning there is sufficient evidence that the alleged crime actually happened and that each defendant could have committed it.

Ahead of the aforementioned hearings, here’s all you should know about the charges of those set to appear and what they could mean.

Agostino Abbatiello

Abbatiello is facing 11 felony charges, including two first-degree and one third-degree.

The former Sigma Chi member’s charges include one felony count of conspiracy to commit a corrupt organization, one count of conspiracy to deliver drugs, seven felony counts of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, one first-degree felony count of dealing, and one third-degree count of criminal use of a communication facility.

In Pennsylvania, each of the two first-degree felony charges carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, while a third-degree charge carries a maximum of 7 years. The seven other felony charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Abbatiello is currently seeking to overturn his bail denial and continue the preliminary hearing on September 2, per court documents, which will also be addressed during the hearing.

Thomas Robinson

Thomas Robinson, who was initially arrested in connection with the drug trafficking ring in December 2024, faces 21 felonies and 10 misdemeanors.

Similar to Abbatiello, Thomas Robinson’s charges include one felony count of conspiracy to commit a corrupt organization, one count of conspiracy to deliver drugs, and one first-degree felony count of dealing.

He also faces 13 felony counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and five third-degree felony counts of criminal use of a communication facility.

Paul Robinson

Paul Robinson is facing three counts, one third-degree felony and two misdemeanors.

The felony count is for hindering apprehension or prosecution by concealing or destroying evidence. Paul Robinson allegedly “assisted with the destruction/concealment of a safe containing evidence related to an ongoing cocaine delivery investigation,” according to a criminal complaint.

The third-degree felony carries a maximum sentence of seven years.

The two misdemeanors are for tampering with evidence and interfering with a police investigation. Both carry potential two-year sentences.

Mohammed Huraibi

Mohammed Huraibi is facing four felony counts and two misdemeanors.

The felonies include one felony count of conspiracy to commit a corrupt organization, one count of conspiracy to manufacture, deliver or possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance, one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

The misdemeanors both involve possession of an illegal substance.

Robert Zanolla

Robert Zanolla is facing two felonies and two misdemeanors.

The felonies are for conspiracy to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

The misdemeanors are both related to possession of an illegal substance.

Larz Zeepvat

Larz Zeepvat waived his formal arraignment, indicated he intends to plead not guilty, and requested a jury trial, according to a new Centre County court filing from August 20.

He will not be present for the preliminary hearings, but he is scheduled for his arraignment on September 9.

He is facing four felonies and two misdemeanors.