Six College Students Face Felony Charges for Staged Predator Sting Gone Wrong

In a shocking turn of events, six college students from Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, are facing felony charges after a staged social media stunt spiraled out of control. Authorities allege the students lured an innocent man to the private Catholic campus under false pretenses. They chased him and accused him of being a sexual predator. This accusation has been proven baseless. The incident, reminiscent of amateur “To Catch a Predator” attempts, highlights the dangers of vigilante justice.

The Incident: A Staged Setup

The events unfolded in October. A 22-year-old man from North Carolina, whose identity has not been disclosed, connected with 18-year-old Assumption student Kelsey Brainerd on Tinder. According to court documents, the two exchanged messages on Tinder and later on Instagram, where their conversation allegedly became explicit. Brainerd invited the man to meet her on campus at Alumni Hall.

Security footage shows the man arriving. A mob of students chased him, shouting accusations of pedophilia. They recorded the ordeal on their phones. Police reports reveal that the group physically assaulted the man. They punched him and slammed his car door on him. They also kicked his vehicle as he attempted to escape. Surveillance footage later showed the students laughing. They high-fived each other after the attack. They treated the ordeal as entertainment rather than a serious matter.

The Legal Fallout

The aftermath of the incident has landed six individuals, including Brainerd and four other students aged 18 or older, in serious legal trouble. A 17-year-old juvenile has also been implicated. The charges include:

• Kelsey Brainerd: Kidnapping, conspiracy, and intimidation of a witness or law enforcement.
• Kevin Carroll: Kidnapping, conspiracy, and assault and battery with a deadly weapon (allegedly slamming the man’s car door on him).
• Isabella Trudeau, Joaquin Smith, and Easton Randall: Kidnapping and conspiracy.
• Juvenile Suspect: Assault and battery for allegedly hitting the victim in the head.

According to investigators, Brainerd initially claimed she felt threatened by the man, describing him as “creepy” and alleging he had come to campus to meet an underage girl. However, video evidence contradicted her account, showing the incident was premeditated and staged.

Vigilante Justice Gone Wrong

While vigilante “predator stings” have gained popularity on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, experts warn against such actions. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who collaborates with Chris Hansen on professional predator bust operations, emphasized the dangers of untrained individuals attempting to expose alleged predators.

“These amateurs don’t understand the law or the risks involved,” Swanson said. “They’re putting their own lives and others’ at risk for social media content. On top of that, they undermine legitimate law enforcement efforts by contaminating evidence and violating legal procedures.”

In this case, the accused students’ actions not only led to serious criminal charges but also caused reputational damage to Assumption University. Under the Clery Act, such incidents must be reported, potentially impacting the institution’s standing and future admissions.

The Bigger Picture

Predator investigations are a delicate process best left to trained professionals. When handled improperly, they can lead to false accusations, compromised investigations, and even harm to innocent individuals. This incident warns of the dangers of vigilante justice. It highlights the ripple effects on all parties involved.

What’s Next?

The six defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are awaiting trial. Meanwhile, the victim, who has been cleared of any wrongdoing, continues to deal with the trauma of the attack.

For those concerned about potential predators, law enforcement advises reporting any suspicious activity directly to the authorities. It is better not to take matters into one’s own hands. As Sheriff Swanson aptly put it, “Predator investigations are not entertainment. They’re serious matters that require expertise and legal oversight.”

This case stands as a stark reminder. The pursuit of social media fame should never come at the cost of justice. It should not compromise safety or integrity.