Two fraternity leaders in Wisconsin have been arrested after police reportedly discovered about 30 partially clothed pledges in a basement during a suspected hazing incident. Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, both 20, were arrested on Wednesday on allegations of misdemeanor hazing and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

The two are described as leaders of an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity chapter that is reportedly not recognised or accredited by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Police responding to the fraternity house allegedly found 30 young people in the basement, many of whom were covered in food and condiments.

According to the police account, some of the pledges had “visible injuries consistent with being physically assaulted”.
Officers also reported that the thermostat had been set to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the basement unusually hot and uncomfortable.

Police escorted everyone from the building and said the “vast majority” of those involved were 18 years old. Authorities said the fraternity is “unrecognized and unaccredited” by the university. According to the report, the institution stopped recognising the organisation more than a decade ago. The University of Wisconsin–Madison said it takes allegations of hazing involving members of its community seriously.

“UW–Madison is fully committed to preventing and addressing hazing and takes all incidents involving our community seriously,” the university said in a statement. “Any student determined to be in violation of law, regulation, or university policy may be subject to sanctions according to Wis. Admin. Code Chapter UWS 17.”

The university said potential disciplinary measures could range from a written reprimand to more serious sanctions, including termination or educational penalties. The allegations against Klein and Vane have not been proven in court.