Madison Police Arrest Two After Finding 30 Injured Pledges in Fraternity Basement

Key points

• Officers responded to an anonymous tip at the Alpha Epsilon Pi residence on Langdon Street around 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 23.
• Police found about 30 men, mostly 18 years old, covered in food and liquids in a basement heated to 81 degrees.
• Several participants had visible injuries consistent with physical assault, leading to the arrest of two 20-year-old leaders.
• The suspects, Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, were booked into Dane County Jail for misdemeanor hazing and disorderly conduct.
• UW-Madison confirmed the chapter was terminated in 2015 but remains recognized by its national organization, allowing it to operate off-campus.
• The university’s Office of Student Conduct will investigate any implicated students for potential policy violations.

Background

This incident follows a broader national trend of scrutiny regarding Greek life safety, including recent cocaine trafficking allegations at Penn State. While the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter was terminated by UW-Madison in 2015, it continues to operate as an unaffiliated entity recognized by its national body. The university has historically emphasized hazing prevention through its Hazing Prevention Coalition, though this specific incident occurred at an unrecognized organization.

How outlets are covering it

Channel 3000 and WKOW both reported the arrests and the conditions found in the basement, including the 81-degree temperature and visible injuries. WKOW provided the names of the arrested individuals, Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, and quoted Police Captain Kipp Hartman, who stated this was the first such incident he had seen in his two years in the district. WISN highlighted the anonymous tip that led to the discovery. UW-Madison emphasized its commitment to addressing hazing and noted that while the chapter is unrecognized by the university, it is legally permitted to operate because it is recognized by its national organization. All sources agreed that the national fraternity is cooperating with authorities and that members found responsible for criminal conduct will face expulsion.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks associated with unrecognized student organizations that operate outside university oversight but remain connected to national networks. It underscores the importance of anonymous reporting mechanisms in preventing severe hazing incidents and raises questions about the legal and regulatory gaps for fraternities that are unaffiliated with their local universities but still recognized nationally.

What to watch

The investigation by Madison police remains ongoing, and the Dane County District Attorney may review findings for potential charging decisions. UW-Madison’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will determine if any students involved violated university policies, potentially leading to sanctions such as disciplinary probation or expulsion. The national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization is expected to impose its own sanctions, including expulsion of any member found responsible for criminal conduct.