Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity leaders arrested on hazing charges after police raid

Madison police arrested Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) chapter president Brayden Klein and vice president Samuel Vane on September 23 after a raid on the fraternity house at 112 Langdon Street uncovered about 30 partially clothed men, most of them 18-year-olds, covered in food, condiments and other liquids. The incident report noted several individuals had visible injuries consistent with physical assault and that the basement temperature was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions.

"MPD has no information to suggest feces was involved, but this remains an open and active investigation," MPD public information officer Stephanie Fryer said, adding that the department has no jurisdiction over the fraternity house and directing inquiries to the national chapter.

AEPi International issued a statement saying it will cooperate fully with authorities, expel any members found criminally responsible and support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. The statement emphasized that hazing contradicts the fraternity’s values and anyone who engages in it will lose the privilege of membership.

University officials noted that AEPi was terminated by UW-Madison in 2015 after previous violations, including a 2013 incident that sent a 17-year-old minor and a guest to detox after drinking at the house. Since 2016, the university has received seven allegations involving the organization.

Neighbors and nearby sorority members reported a large police presence and crowds of students gathering outside the house. One student, who was not involved in Greek life, described seeing police cars, shirtless students speaking with officers, and dozens of pledges leaving the fraternity in wet clothing.

The Madison Police Department continues its investigation, while UW-Madison will conduct its own inquiry into any students implicated for non-academic misconduct.