Two Arrested in Wisconsin Fraternity Hazing Investigation
Police found dozens of young men in a sweltering basement during a rush week incident at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house.
Police investigating an anonymous hazing tip at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house in Madison, Wisconsin, found approximately 30 partially clothed young men packed into a sweltering basement, some showing signs of physical assault. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on a Wednesday during rush week at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The basement thermostat was set to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, creating hot and humid conditions. Most of the individuals found in the basement were 18 years old. Officers declared the gathering unlawful, escorted everyone outside, and checked for injuries.
Madison Police Capt. Kipp Hartman stated that officers observed redness and marks potentially consistent with being struck, but no open wounds. He was not aware of anyone requiring medical transport. The fraternity's national organization confirmed it recognizes the Madison chapter, though the university stated the chapter is not recognized and was terminated by the university over a decade ago.
Fraternity president Brayden J. Klein and vice president Samuel N. Vane, both 20, were arrested and charged with hazing and disorderly conduct. These offenses are classified as misdemeanors, and the Dane County District Attorney's Office will review the case.
Investigators reported encountering inconsistencies and limited cooperation while interviewing those present, with some statements not aligning with others. The national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization, which describes itself as the world's Jewish college fraternity, stated it takes the allegations extremely seriously and will cooperate fully with authorities. Jonathan Pierce, the fraternity's chief communications officer, added that any member found responsible for criminal conduct would be expelled and that the fraternity would support prosecution.
"Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for. There is no place for it in AEPi," Pierce said in a statement. "No exceptions. No excuses. We educate our members about their responsibility to ‘Be Your Brothers’ Keeper.’ This is not an optional value."