Penn State Coke Ring Leader Denied Bail

Sunday said preparing cocaine for sale had become part of the induction process for some fraternity members — drug packaging built into initiation.

Investigators say Abbatiello used money to pull people in: co-defendant Lars Zeepvat allegedly delivered cocaine to work off a $1,500 debt from a spring break trip, and Zeepvat told investigators a second person also sold cocaine to repay borrowed money.

Penn State has suspended Delta Upsilon pending its own investigation. Sigma Chi is not registered with the university.

Online, the case has been treated as a joke at the accused ringleader's expense. Abbatiello, a dean's list accounting student who wrote a blog, has been nicknamed "Pablo Pledgescobar," "Austin Powders," "Nostrildamus" and "Kirk Cocaine" on social media, The Independent reported.

In Pennsylvania, the open question is jurisdiction. A letter published by PennLive asked why a drug case that crosses state lines has produced no federal charges, and whether Washington will file its own.