WORCESTER, Mass. (NewsNation) — At least one of several college students charged in a TikTok “catch a predator” stunt is reportedly suspended for allegedly luring a man to campus and ambushing him.
“Given the gravity of the charges, it would not be surprising if more of them also faced some serious disciplinary action,” The Worcester Telegram & Gazette reporter Brad Petrishen told NewsNation’s “Banfield” on Wednesday.
The students, from Assumption University in Massachusetts, were arraigned on conspiracy and kidnapping charges, after allegedly ambushing the man upon arrival and trying to hold him against his will. The victim, a 22-year-old active-duty military service member, later told authorities that he was punched when he ran away.
Police, citing Tinder messages between the victim and one of the students, have since determined that the victim was not looking to meet underage girls, but rather believed he had arranged to meet with an 18-year-old woman.
Police identified Kelsy Brainard, Kevin Carroll, Easton Randall, Isabella Trudeau, Joaquin Smith and a juvenile as the group of Assumption University students involved in the plot.
- Kelsy Brainard, an 18-year-old from Holyoke, Mass., was charged with kidnapping, witness intimidation and conspiracy.
- Kevin Carroll, an 18-year-old from Holden, Mass., was charged with kidnapping, conspiracy and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
- Easton Randall, a 20-year-old from Jericho, Vermont, was charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.
- Isabella Trudeau, an 18-year-old from Sterling, Mass., was charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.
- Joaquin Smith, a 19-year-old from West Haven, Conn., was charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.
- Juvenile, identity and charges not released due to their age.
NewsNation affiliate WWLP reporter Ashley Shook contributed to this report.