Two fraternity leaders have been arrested after police say they walked into a hot Wisconsin basement and found around 30 partially clothed young men covered in food, condiments and other liquids — with several showing injuries consistent with being assaulted.
The disturbing scene unfolded Wednesday night at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house on Langdon Street near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
Madison police said officers were sent to the home around 8:20 p.m. after receiving an anonymous tip about a possible hazing event.
When they entered the basement, they allegedly found roughly 30 men, most of them 18 years old.
Several had visible injuries that police said appeared consistent with physical assault.
The thermostat had also been set to 81 degrees, creating what officers described as hot and humid conditions.
Police immediately declared the gathering unlawful and moved everyone outside.
Officers then checked the pledges for injuries and signs that anyone might be incapacitated.
The fraternity’s president and vice president, Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, both 20, were at the house and spoke with officers.
Both were arrested on suspicion of hazing and disorderly conduct and taken to the Dane County Jail.
One important detail is that Alpha Epsilon Pi is not currently recognized by UW-Madison.
The university terminated the chapter’s official status in 2015 after prior conduct issues.
However, the chapter continued to be recognized by Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national organization, meaning it could legally operate as an independent fraternity unaffiliated with the university.
UW-Madison has now opened its own investigation through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Students found responsible for violating university rules could face penalties ranging from a written reprimand and probation to suspension or other disciplinary sanctions.
Madison Police Capt. Kipp Hartman said officers are especially concerned about hazing when a pledge’s physical safety is put at risk.
“Our concern is when things are going too far and people’s either life and/or physical harm is at stake,” Hartman said during a press briefing.
The national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization also condemned the alleged hazing and said it is cooperating with investigators.
A spokesperson said any member found responsible for criminal conduct could be expelled from the fraternity and that the organization would support prosecution.
The incident happened during fraternity and sorority recruitment season, prompting Madison police to encourage students to contact authorities if they feel their safety is being threatened.
Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what happened inside the basement and whether anyone else should face charges.
Police have asked anyone who participated in or witnessed the incident to come forward.
As of the latest update, the investigation remains active.
