Wisconsin frat leaders arrested after 30 pledges found in filthy basement, injured and covered in condiments

Two leaders of an underground University of Wisconsin-Madison fraternity were arrested and charged with hazing after dozens of pledges were found injured, shirtless and covered in condiments in a sweltering basement.

The Madison Police Department said Thursday it received an anonymous tip about an event in the basement of an off-campus chapter house.

Alpha Epsilon Pi was kicked off campus as a recognized chapter in 2015, but the organization maintained a presence at the Madison home.

Police say about 30 pledges, most of whom were 18, were found partially-clothed in a filthy basement around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

The apparent hazing victims were “covered in food, condiments, and other liquids” and “had visible injuries consistent with being physically assaulted.” The thermostat was set to 81 degrees, making the basement hot and humid, police said.

Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, both 20, were charged with hazing and disorderly conduct. Madison police are still investigating the matter.

Klein and Vane each posted $400 bail around 1 a.m. on Thursday morning and were released from the Dane County Jail, officials confirmed. It was not immediately clear when they must appear in court to face the charges.

Klein and Vane could not immediately be…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business