Two 20-year-old fraternity leaders were arrested in Madison, Wisconsin, after police responding to an anonymous tip found around 30 partially clothed young men gathered in a hot basement, covered in food, condiments and other liquids.
The incident unfolded Wednesday night, September 23, at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house on the 100 block of Langdon Street near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Officers arrived at about 8:20 p.m. and said several of the men had visible injuries consistent with physical assault.
Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, both 20, were arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor hazing and disorderly conduct. Both were taken to the Dane County Jail, while the investigation remains ongoing.
Police discover a disturbing basement scene
According to the Madison Police Department, officers found approximately 30 men in the basement, most of whom were 18 years old.
They were partially clothed and covered with food, condiments and other liquids. Several also had visible injuries that police said were consistent with having been physically assaulted.
The basement itself was unusually hot and humid. Police said the thermostat had been set to 81 degrees, adding to the conditions inside the room.
Officers declared the gathering unlawful and escorted everyone out of the residence. The pledges were then checked for injuries and signs of incapacitation.
According to local reports, no one was taken for medical treatment following the incident. Police also collected statements from those present, although some accounts reportedly conflicted.
Two fraternity leaders taken into custody
Klein and Vane were identified as the fraternity’s president and vice president and were present at the house when police arrived.
The two men were arrested on allegations of hazing and disorderly conduct. The charges are misdemeanors, and the case is being reviewed as the investigation continues.
The Dane County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case before deciding whether formal criminal charges will be filed.
Alpha Epsilon Pi was already unaffiliated with UW-Madison
The fraternity involved in the incident has a complicated relationship with the university.
UW-Madison said Alpha Epsilon Pi has not been recognized or affiliated with the university for more than a decade. The chapter was terminated by the school in 2015.
Because the chapter remains recognized by the national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization, however, the university said it is legally able to operate as a fraternity chapter unaffiliated with UW-Madison.
University officials said UW-Madison is committed to preventing and addressing hazing and that students found to have violated laws, regulations or university policies can face disciplinary sanctions. Those sanctions can include a written reprimand, probation, suspension, termination or educational measures.
The university also said the chapter’s status does not prevent the school from taking action against individual students under its student conduct rules.
National fraternity responds
Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national headquarters said it was taking the allegations seriously and would cooperate fully with authorities investigating the incident.
The organization said any member found responsible for criminal conduct would be expelled and that it would support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
The national organization has also issued a cease-and-desist directive to the Madison chapter, suspending its programming while an investigation into alleged violations of the fraternity’s health and safety guidelines takes place.
Madison police have urged anyone with information about the incident, including anyone who was involved, to contact authorities anonymously.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced additional charges in connection with the suspected hazing incident.