Madison Police Arrest Two s Follow Basement Hazing Probe

Police arrested two individuals and filed hazing and disorderly conduct charges Wednesday following an anonymous tip that directed officers to an off-campus residence. The call led Madison authorities to the 100 block of Langdon Street, where they encountered dozens of young men in distressing conditions within a basement room.

Conditions Inside The Basement

Upon entering the property around 8:20 p.m., officers observed approximately 30 partially clothed males covered in food, condiments, and various liquids. The Madison Police Department stated Thursday that most attendees were 18 years old. Several victims displayed visible injuries consistent with physical assault.

A thermostat in the room had been set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions for those present. Authorities declared the gathering unlawful and escorted everyone outside the residence. Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, both 20, were booked at the Dane County Jail. Police confirmed the fraternity’s president and vice president were on-site and spoke with responding officers.

Fraternity Status And History

The incident involved the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter, which has reportedly operated without university recognition or accreditation since 2015. Despite this status, the group continued functioning as a legally permitted entity because its national organization still recognizes the local chapter. The university noted in a statement that it takes all community incidents seriously.

Alpha Epsilon Pi was established as a Jewish fraternity in 1913. University records cited by The Associated Press indicate the chapter faced suspension in 2013 after hosting a party that required alcohol detoxification for a minor and another individual. The school officially terminated the fraternity in 2015 for holding events while suspended.

National Response And Statistics

Spokesperson Jon Pierce told The Associated Press that Alpha Epsilon Pi is treating the latest allegations “very seriously” and will fully cooperate with formal investigations. In comments to CBS News, Pierce described hazing as a betrayal of the fraternity’s values. “There is no place for it in AEPi. No exceptions. No excuses,” he said. He emphasized that educating members on their responsibility to ‘Be Your Brothers’ Keeper’ is not optional.

No fatalities occurred among the pledges found during this specific raid. However, data from research and advocacy website HazingInfo.org reports nearly 130 hazing-related deaths in the U.S. since 2000, averaging five per year. The Madison Police Department confirmed the investigation remains ongoing.