Two arrested after alleged hazing at unaffiliated UW–Madison fraternity

Madison police arrested two 20-year-olds after finding about 30 partially clothed young men covered in food, condiments and other liquids in the basement of an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house, authorities said.

Police responded to the Langdon Street house after receiving an anonymous report of possible hazing. Officers said the basement thermostat was set to 81 degrees and several of the men had visible injuries consistent with physical assault. Most were 18 years old. They were escorted outside and checked for injuries and incapacitation.

Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane were arrested on allegations of hazing and disorderly conduct and taken to the Dane County Jail. Police said the fraternity’s president and vice president were at the house and spoke with officers, but did not specify whether Klein and Vane held those positions. No additional charges have been announced, and the investigation remains open.

UW–Madison and police described the chapter as an unrecognized and unaccredited student organization. The university said the chapter was suspended in 2013 and later terminated following multiple incidents, but may legally operate as an unaffiliated chapter because it remains recognized by the national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization.

Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national headquarters said it was taking the allegations seriously, would cooperate with investigators and would expel members found responsible for criminal conduct.