Fraternity leaders detained after police find dozens of barely clothed pledges in filthy basement

Madison police responded to an anonymous tip and entered the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house, where they uncovered a cramped basement filled with about 30 teen pledges, the majority of whom were 18 years old and barely clothed. The young men were smeared with various foods and liquids, and the room was heated to a stifling 81 degrees, creating an unsafe environment. Officers observed visible injuries on several pledges that suggested physical assault, and they promptly escorted everyone outside and screened them for incapacitation.

The fraternity's president, Brayden J. Klein, and vice president, Samuel N. Vane, both aged 20, were arrested on misdemeanor hazing and disorderly conduct counts. UW-Madison, which had terminated the chapter more than ten years ago, emphasized its commitment to preventing hazing and warned that violators could face sanctions ranging from reprimands to termination under Wis. Admin.

Code Chapter UWS 17. Although the local chapter is banned, Alpha Epsilon Pi remains a nationally recognized fraternity and may operate independently of the university.