Madison police arrested two fraternity leaders on misdemeanor charges after discovering roughly 30 partially clothed individuals covered in food, condiments, and liquids inside an overheated basement during an anonymous tip-driven hazing investigation on September 23, 2026. Officers responding to the 100 block of Langdon Street intervened at the unrecognized chapter house, where investigators found multiple attendees exhibiting physical injuries.
Basement raid exposes hazing ring
Officers find 30 victims in 81-degree heat
Officers with the Madison Police Department were dispatched to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house located along the 100 block of Langdon Street at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, following an anonymous tip about suspicious activity inside the residence. According to department incident reports, officers entered the basement and found approximately 30 individuals—the vast majority of whom were 18 years old—partially clothed and covered in various food items, condiments, and liquids.
Responding personnel noted that several of the men present displayed visible injuries consistent with physical assault. Inside the basement, a thermostat was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions. Officers declared the event unlawful and escorted everyone outside, where pledges were checked for incapacitation and injuries.
President and vice president booked into jail
Police arrested two 20-year-old men identified as the leaders of the chapter: Brayden J. Klein, who served as president, and Samuel N. Vane, who served as vice president. Both men spoke with responding officers at the scene before being taken into custody and booked into the Dane County Jail on misdemeanor charges of hazing and disorderly conduct.
Chapter operates outside university oversight
The Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter operates as an unrecognized and unaccredited student organization at the University of Wisconsin. The university formally terminated the fraternity’s status more than a decade ago, in 2015. However, because the local chapter maintains recognition from its national parent organization, it operates legally as a fraternity independent of the university.
Campus officials weigh disciplinary sanctions
Following the arrests, University of Wisconsin officials released a statement emphasizing that the institution remains committed to preventing and addressing hazing within its community. The university stated that any students found to be in violation of local laws, state regulations, or campus policies face potential disciplinary sanctions under Chapter UWS 17 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Sanctions range from written reprimands and disciplinary probation to suspension or termination.
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will investigate any university students implicated in the incident through its nonacademic misconduct framework. Campus leaders noted that students can report hazing anonymously via an online reporting form, while members of Fraternity and Sorority Life can utilize the FSL Confidential reporting channel. Information regarding prevention initiatives is maintained through the university’s Hazing Prevention Coalition.
Active inquiry seeks additional tips
The Madison Police Department considers the inquiry an active and ongoing case. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident or who was actively involved to contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers or submit tips online through p3tips.com, noting that anonymous submissions may be eligible for monetary rewards.