Two leaders of an unrecognized University of Wisconsin-Madison fraternity were arrested Thursday after police responded to an anonymous tip alleging hazing at an off-campus chapter house.
Madison Police arrested Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, both 20, on charges of hazing and disorderly conduct, according to a department statement. The arrests follow an investigation into an incident at the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) house on Wednesday evening, where officers found about 30 pledges, most of them 18 years old, in a basement set to 81 degrees.
The pledges were found partially clothed, covered in food, condiments, and other liquids, with visible injuries consistent with physical assault, police said. No medical transports were reported at the scene.
Immediate Response and Arrests
Officers arrived at the Langdon Street residence around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving an anonymous tip about an alleged hazing event. Upon entry, they declared the gathering unlawful and escorted all individuals outside for a welfare check.
Madison Police Capt. Kipp Hartman, who responded to the scene, stated that he observed redness and marks potentially consistent with being struck, though no open wounds were visible. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office will review the case, which remains under investigation.
Fraternity Status and University Response
The University of Wisconsin-Madison confirmed in a statement that Alpha Epsilon Pi has not been a recognized student organization on campus since 2015. However, the national AEPi organization continues to recognize the Madison chapter, allowing it to operate independently of the university.
The university said it will investigate any students implicated in the incident. A statement from the Madison Police Department noted that underground fraternity chapters pose unique risks for hazing because they are not monitored by university officials.
Background on Alpha Epsilon Pi
Founded in 1913 as a Jewish fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi maintains a presence in Madison despite its lack of university affiliation. The national organization’s website lists a Madison chapter under the name “Pi” but does not cite a direct connection to the university.
The national AEPi organization has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident or the status of the Madison chapter.