Two leaders of an unrecognized University of Wisconsin-Madison fraternity were arrested after police discovered roughly 30 teenage pledges packed into a sweltering, filthy basement covered in food and condiments. Madison Police Department officers arrested Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, both 20, following an anonymous tip about activity at the off-campus chapter house.
### Arrests at Unrecognized Alpha Epsilon Pi Chapter House
Police entered the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter house around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, finding about 30 pledges—the vast majority of whom were 18 years old—huddled in the basement. According to the Madison Police Department incident report, the victims were partially clothed, covered in food, condiments, and other liquids, and displayed visible injuries consistent with physical assault.
Officers reported that the basement was extremely muggy and overheated because the thermostat had been forced up to 81 degrees. Police escorted everyone outside, checked the pledges for injuries and incapacitation, and subsequently booked Klein and Vane on charges of hazing and disorderly conduct.
### University Response and National Fraternity Stance
The University of Wisconsin-Madison stated that Alpha Epsilon Pi was stripped of its official campus recognition in 2015. However, the national organization continued to recognize the Madison chapter, allowing it to maintain a community presence outside university oversight.
University officials announced they would investigate all students implicated in the hazing incident under Chapter UWS 17 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, warning that penalties could range from disciplinary probation to termination.
In an official statement, the national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization said it is taking the allegations extremely seriously and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. The national body stated that any member found responsible for criminal conduct will be expelled, and the fraternity will support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
### The Risks of Underground Greek Organizations
Anti-hazing advocates point out that unaccredited or underground chapters present distinct safety hazards because universities cannot monitor their activities or enforce campus conduct codes. According to tracking data from research and advocacy website HazingInfo.org, the United States has recorded nearly 130 hazing-related deaths since 2000, averaging about five fatalities per year.
The Madison Police Department’s investigation into the incident remains active.
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