UW-Madison Frat Leaders Charged After 30 Pledges Found In Hot Basement
Madison police charged two UW-Madison fraternity leaders on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after officers found about 30 partially clothed pledges covered in food and with visible injuries in a sweltering Alpha Epsilon Pi basement.[1]
The charged students are Brayden Jack Klein and Samuel Noah Vane, both 20, who police identified as the chapter's president and vice president.[1] Responding officers said the basement was hot and close, with a thermostat reading about 81 degrees.[2] Police said roughly 30 pledges, many about 18 years old, were found partially clothed, smeared with condiments and other liquids, and some had visible injuries.[3]
UW-Madison revoked Alpha Epsilon Pi's status as a student organization in 2015 after alcohol violations, though the chapter continued operating with recognition from the national fraternity.[1] The university recorded seven complaints about the unrecognized chapter between 2016 and 2026 alleging excessive drinking, hazing and disrespectful behavior.[1] UW-Madison's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards said it will investigate Klein, Vane and any other students involved and could impose sanctions ranging from written reprimands to expulsion.[1] Alpha Epsilon Pi's national spokesman, Jonathan Pierce, said any member found guilty of criminal conduct would be expelled and called hazing a betrayal of the fraternity's values.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On or before Friday, September 25, 2026, Madison police found about 30 partially clothed pledges, many around 18, covered in food with visible injuries in the Alpha Epsilon Pi basement; responding officers reported the space was hot and close with a thermostat reading about 81 degrees and the incident is being investigated as alleged hazing (Alpha Epsilon Pi basement).
- On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Madison police charged UW–Madison students Brayden Jack Klein and Samuel Noah Vane, both 20, with suspicion of misdemeanor hazing (Brayden Jack Klein).
- Police identified Klein and Vane as the president and vice president of the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter involved in the incident (Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter).
- University officials said UW–Madison revoked Alpha Epsilon Pi's status as an official student organization in 2015 after alcohol violations, though the chapter continued operating with recognition from the national fraternity (UW–Madison).
- Alpha Epsilon Pi's national spokesman, Jonathan Pierce, said any member found guilty of criminal conduct would be expelled and called hazing a betrayal of the fraternity's values (Jonathan Pierce).
- UW–Madison's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards announced it will investigate Klein, Vane and any other students involved, with possible sanctions ranging from written reprimands to expulsion (Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards).
- The university recorded seven complaints about the unrecognized Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter between 2016 and 2026 alleging excessive drinking, hazing and disrespectful behavior (seven complaints).
📰 Source Timeline (3)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Madison police charged UW-Madison students Brayden Jack Klein and Samuel Noah Vane, both 20, with suspicion of misdemeanor hazing.
- Police identified Klein and Vane as the president and vice president of the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter involved in the incident.
- University officials said UW-Madison revoked Alpha Epsilon Pi's status as an official student organization in 2015 after alcohol violations, but the chapter continued operating with recognition from the national fraternity.
- Alpha Epsilon Pi's national spokesman Jonathan Pierce said any member found guilty of criminal conduct would be expelled and called hazing a betrayal of the fraternity's values.
- UW-Madison's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards announced it will investigate Klein, Vane and any other students involved, with potential sanctions ranging from written reprimands to expulsion.
- The article notes seven complaints involving the unrecognized Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter submitted to the university between 2016 and 2026, alleging excessive drinking, hazing and disrespectful behavior.
- Article reiterates that on or before Friday, September 25, 2026, Madison police found about 30 partially clothed men covered in food with visible injuries in the Alpha Epsilon Pi basement.
- It confirms the fraternity space was hot and close, with a thermostat reading around 81 degrees as reported by responding officers.
- It restates that roughly 30 pledges, many around 18 years old, were involved and that police are investigating the case as alleged hazing.