Police find around 30 pledges covered in food in hot basement during alleged hazing incident

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) - Two leaders of a fraternity chapter were arrested after police in Wisconsin said officers broke up an unlawful hazing event Wednesday.

Madison police responded to the house of Alpha Epsilon Pi, which is not recognized by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, on Langdon Street around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving an anonymous tip about a possible hazing event.

“Inside the basement of the residence, officers found around 30 partially clothed males covered in food, condiments and other liquids,” Madison police Capt. Kipp Hartman said.

Most of the men were 18 years old. Police said several had visible injuries consistent with being physically assaulted.

“Something fresh, potentially like a strike to the body, not an old injury,” Hartman said.

The thermostat was set to 81 degrees, creating what police described as a hot and humid environment.

Officers determined the event was unlawful and escorted everyone outside. Police checked the pledges for injuries or incapacitation, and said no one was taken for medical treatment.

Fraternity president Brayden Klein and vice president Samuel Vane, both 20, were arrested on suspicion of hazing and disorderly conduct. Both offenses are misdemeanors, according to Hartman.

Klein and Vane were booked into the Dane County Jail. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office will review the case before deciding whether to file formal charges.

Hartman said police collected statements from everyone inside, but some of the accounts conflicted.

“Some statements also did not align with what everybody else’s statements were, so there were some concerns with what was being said,” Hartman said. “I would say we had limited cooperation.”

Dozens of students near the house were asked Thursday about what happened, but many declined; some who would speak only off-camera said they were afraid of retaliation.

Police are also monitoring what they believe is misinformation spreading on social media. Hartman encouraged anyone with firsthand information to speak with investigators.

“I think anybody that came forward with additional information may not be prosecuted given the level of cooperation that they could provide,” Hartman said.

The incident happened during rush week at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“With it being rush week right now, we know that there are various ways that fraternities and sororities conduct these things,” Hartman said. “Our thing is always going to be on student safety.”

Hartman said Madison police regularly work with fraternities and sororities to help keep their events safe and legal.

“Our concern is when things are going too far and people’s either life and-or physical harm is at stake, that is definitely when we are going to be stepping in,” Hartman said.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison terminated Alpha Epsilon Pi’s status with the college in 2015. The chapter is not recognized or accredited by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, but Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national organization continues to recognize it.

“Since this chapter continues to be recognized by its national organization, it is legally allowed to operate as a fraternity chapter unaffiliated with the university,” the University of Wisconsin-Madison said in a statement.

University officials met with national Alpha Epsilon Pi leaders Thursday to review the incident and discuss possible next steps. The University of Wisconsin–Madison said the national organization is cooperating.

Hartman said the fraternity continues to control the Langdon Street house.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison said its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will investigate any students implicated in the incident. Students found to have violated the law, university regulations or university policy could face a written reprimand, probation, suspension, expulsion or educational sanctions.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison said it shares information about unrecognized and terminated student organizations with students, parents and families at the start of each academic year.

The Office of Student Assistance and Support and University Health Services are providing support as needed.

Anyone with information about this hazing investigation was asked to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.