DA drops hazing case after finding 30 men in Madison basement
Two men arrested in September will not face criminal charges despite visible injuries and hot conditions at the unrecognized fraternity house.
By Grace Sullivan ·
Thirty partially clothed men were found in a Madison basement in September, but no criminal charges will be filed against the two men arrested for their condition.
The Dane County District Attorney’s Office announced on Sunday that it declined to prosecute the pair for hazing and disorderly conduct. Officials stated that the evidence was insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Madison Police Department records show officers arrived at a home on Langdon Street at 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 23 after receiving an anonymous tip. The residence belonged to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. Upon entering, police discovered the men covered in food, condiments, and liquids.
Most of the individuals present were 18 years old. Madison police reported that several had visible injuries consistent with physical assault. The thermostat in the room was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions for the group.
Officers declared the gathering unlawful and cleared the residence. The fraternity’s president and vice president were present and spoke to police before being taken to the Dane County Jail.
Alpha Epsilon Pi is an unaccredited student organization. The University of Wisconsin terminated the group more than a decade ago. In a statement released Monday, the fraternity said it is working with chapter members to understand the incident.
The organization described the event as a teachable moment for its young members. It announced a corrective actions plan that includes replacing chapter leadership and limiting programming to ensure compliance with state laws and internal guidelines.
