Five students from Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts are facing serious allegations following a physical confrontation with a man they accused of being a sexual predator as part of a viral social media challenge. The incident, which was recorded and intended for online distribution, has now resulted in charges, including kidnapping, against the students involved, as initially reported by NBC Boston and further detailed by the Telegram and Gazette.
The accused students allegedly organized a scheme where they lured the man to the university campus through Tinder, using false accusations to justify their actions. By claiming the man was seeking underage sex, they managed to assemble a mob of up to 30 students who gave chase and beat the individual when the confrontation escalated. The victim managed to escape the ordeal and contact authorities, leading to the students being charged. As "like the Chris Hansen videos where you catch a predator and either call police or kick their ass," one of the students, Easton Randall, 19, from Jericho, Vermont, explained the situation to police; the Telegram and Gazette reports that things "got out of hand and went bad."
An investigation by Assumption University police has unwound the students' claim. Sgt. Christopher Shea told the Telegram and Gazette, "There is absolutely no evidence presented to indicate that (the man) was seeking sexual relations with underage girls." Even though one of the students, Kelsy Brainard, 18, had previously characterized the man as a "creep" who believed he was meeting with a 17-year-old girl, her Tinder profile identified her as 18, and no evidence supporting her accusations surfaced. Contrary to Brainard's initial statements, video evidence demonstrated a lack of discomfort on her part during the encounter, documenting a seemingly premeditated ambush.
The implications of these charges are severe, with kidnapping carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison as well as additional charges for conspiracy, witness intimidation, and in Kevin Carroll's case, an 18-year-old from Holden, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Carroll told police that he had slammed the man’s head with the car door, with police documentation confirming the act was involved in the victim's assault. While no comments were made by the defense lawyers, according to NBC Boston's request for information, the students involved are set to be arraigned on January 16.
In the wake of the violent event, Assumption University has asserted its commitment to the principles of respect and safety within its community. "The behavior described in the court filing is abhorrent and antithetical to Assumption University's mission and values," a university spokesperson, Marisa Gregg remarked, emphasizing their immediate investigative response to the crime, as noted by NBC Boston. "We strongly condemn all forms of violence and misconduct, and we are dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel safe and supported," she told the Telegram and Gazette, reflecting the institution's stance on maintaining a safe campus environment.
