Madison police entered the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity basement on Sept. 23 after an anonymous tip and found about 30 partially clothed pledges covered in food and other substances. Several had visible injuries and the basement was reportedly hot and humid, with the thermostat around 81°F. Two 20-year-old fraternity leaders were arrested on hazing and disorderly conduct allegations and were later released on $400 bail. Criminal and university investigations are ongoing.
Madison Police Raid Fraternity Basement After Anonymous Tip, Find About 30 Partially Clothed Pledges; Two Leaders Arrested
Image Credit: Madison Police Department.
Madison police entered the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity basement near the University of Wisconsin–Madison on the evening of Sept. 23 after receiving an anonymous tip and discovered a scene now under criminal investigation.
Officers reported finding roughly 30 partially clothed pledges, most of them 18 years old, covered in food, condiments and other liquids. Several individuals had visible injuries that police said appeared consistent with physical assault. Investigators also noted the basement thermostat was set to about 81°F, creating hot and humid conditions.
Police declared the gathering unlawful, escorted everyone out of the basement, and evaluated attendees for injuries or signs of incapacitation. Madison Police Capt. Kipp Hartman said no pledges required medical transport, though officers collected statements and said accounts from those present varied and cooperation was limited in some cases.
Two 20-year-old fraternity leaders, identified as President Brayden J. Klein and Vice President Samuel N. Vane, were arrested on allegations of hazing and disorderly conduct and booked into the Dane County Jail. Both were released within hours after posting $400 bail, and the Dane County District Attorney's Office will review the police investigation before deciding whether to file formal charges.
Although the house is adjacent to the UW–Madison campus, the Madison chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi is not recognized by the university. UW–Madison terminated the chapter's recognition in 2015 after finding the group had continued to hold events while suspended. The chapter has continued to operate off campus under the national organization's affiliation.
Following the Sept. 23 incident, Alpha Epsilon Pi International issued a cease-and-desist order directing the Madison chapter to suspend activities while the national organization conducts its own review. UW–Madison's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards has opened a separate inquiry; students found to have violated laws or university policy could face disciplinary action. The national fraternity said members found responsible for criminal conduct would be expelled and that it will cooperate with investigators.
Madison police said the criminal investigation remains active and asked anyone who participated in or witnessed the Sept. 23 event to contact the department or Madison Area Crime Stoppers. The department has not yet indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
Key Facts: Date: Sept. 23. Location: Alpha Epsilon Pi house, 100 block of Langdon Street, Madison. Approx. 30 pledges found; most 18 years old. Two leaders arrested and released on bond; DA review pending.
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