Madison police are investigating an alleged hazing incident after officers discovered about 30 partially clothed young men covered in food, condiments and other liquids in the basement of an off-campus fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin–Madison this week.
Officers went to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house Wednesday night after receiving an anonymous tip, police said. Two fraternity members, both 20 years old, were taken into custody on tentative misdemeanor charges of hazing and disorderly conduct. As of Friday morning, formal charges had not been filed, according to police.
What police and university officials say
Police reported that several of the men found in the basement showed signs consistent with physical assault. A photo released by law enforcement shows about two dozen shirtless men in a cluttered basement; faces in the image were blurred. Officers noted the basement was hot and humid, with the thermostat set to 81 degrees, and that the walls appeared to be painted black.
“UW–Madison is fully committed to preventing and addressing hazing and takes all incidents involving our community seriously,” the university said in a statement Thursday.
The university said it has launched its own investigation and reminded students that anyone found to have violated state law or campus policy could face sanctions ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion.
Context and fraternity history
University records show the chapter’s recognition as a student organization on the Madison campus was terminated in 2015 after repeated problems while the group was suspended. The fraternity was previously suspended in 2013 following a party where alcohol was served and a 17-year-old and another person required detox.
Since 2016, the university documented seven additional allegations connected to the fraternity involving intramural sports incidents, disrespectful behavior, drinking and hazing.
- Approximate number of men found in the basement: 30.
- Age of arrested fraternity members: 20 (two arrested).
- Majority of those in the basement: reported to be 18 years old.
- Basement temperature noted by police: 81°F.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house, near UW–Madison campus |
| Police action | Investigation after anonymous tip; two arrests (tentative misdemeanors) |
| University response | Independent investigation; potential campus sanctions |
Madison police declined to release the names of those involved or additional details about the alleged assaults while the investigation is active. The university’s statement did not identify individuals either, but emphasized the campus commitment to addressing hazing.
Students and parents in the Madison area may see increased scrutiny of fraternity activities as both police and campus officials continue their inquiries. Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact Madison police or university authorities.
This developing story will be updated as authorities release more details.
