Two former fraternity leaders arrested in Wisconsin hazing incident

Madison police arrested two 20-year-old men, Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, on hazing and disorderly-conduct charges after an anonymous tip led officers to a basement at an off-campus house where roughly 30 pledges, most aged 18, were discovered partially clothed and showing signs of physical injury. Police said the basement was set to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and that the individuals were covered in food, condiments and other liquids.

The fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, lost official recognition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015 but continued to operate at the residence. The university announced it will investigate students implicated in the incident, while the national organization said it is taking the allegations "extremely seriously" and will cooperate with authorities. It added that any member found responsible for criminal conduct will be expelled and that it will support prosecution.

Anti-hazing advocates note that unrecognized, underground chapters can pose heightened risks because they operate without university oversight. Hazing incidents in the United States have resulted in nearly 130 deaths since 2000, according to a tracking organization.