Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 25
Madison Police Arrest 2 AEPi Leaders After Finding 30 Pledges in 81-Degree Basement
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 25

Madison Police Arrest 2 AEPi Leaders After Finding 30 Pledges in 81-Degree Basement

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 25

Summary

  • Two 20-year-old Alpha Epsilon Pi leaders were jailed on misdemeanor hazing and disorderly conduct allegations after Madison police found about 30 pledges in a hot, humid basement during rush week.
  • An anonymous tip sent officers to the Langdon Street house around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, where the thermostat was set to 81 degrees and partially clothed young men were packed together, covered in food, condiments and other liquids.
  • Police said several pledges showed fresh redness and marks potentially consistent with being struck, though no one was taken for medical treatment; investigators also reported limited cooperation and conflicting witness statements.
  • The University of Wisconsin-Madison terminated the chapter more than a decade ago and does not recognize it, but AEPi's national organization said it still does and pledged to cooperate, expel anyone responsible and support prosecution.

Insights

Why was a fraternity chapter banned by the university a decade ago still operating and allegedly torturing pledges in a sweltering basement?
What truly happened inside that 81-degree basement, and why are the rescued pledges refusing to give consistent statements to the police?