Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, leaders of Madison’s Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter, were arrested on hazing allegations after police found about 30 partly clothed pledges in its basement Sept. 23. Several had injuries police said were consistent with assault.
Police said the roughly 30 pledges were covered in food, condiments and other liquids; most were 18. The basement thermostat was set to 81 degrees, and officers declared the gathering unlawful, escorted everyone outside and checked pledges for injuries or incapacitation. The arrest allegations also included disorderly conduct; Klein and Vane, both 20, were booked into Dane County Jail and released within hours after each posted $400. No pledges were taken for medical treatment, and the district attorney’s office was expected to review the case before deciding whether to file formal charges.
Alpha Epsilon Pi International ordered the Madison chapter to stop all activities while it conducts its own investigation. UW–Madison said the incident did not involve an official member of its Fraternity & Sorority Life community; its student-conduct office is separately investigating students, who could face sanctions for violations. The university ended the chapter’s recognition in 2015 after finding it held events during a suspension, though it continued under the international organization. Alpha Epsilon Pi said members found responsible for criminal conduct would be expelled and that it would cooperate.
