Six Assumption University students, including one juvenile, are facing charges after an alleged "To Catch a Predator" style prank targeting a U.S. soldier went awry. Five of the students were arraigned on conspiracy and kidnapping charges on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Worcester District Court, Massachusetts. They are scheduled to reappear in court on March 28.
Kelsy Brainard leaving Worcester District Court. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
The incident unfolded on October 1, 2024, when the 22-year-old soldier, in town for his grandmother's funeral, matched with 18-year-old Kelsy Brainard on Tinder. According to police documents, the soldier's intentions were to connect with someone while grieving, and there was no evidence suggesting he sought underage relationships. Brainard allegedly lured him to the campus under the guise of a casual meeting.
Isabella Trudeau at Worcester District Court. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
Shortly after the soldier arrived, a group of 25-30 students confronted him, accusing him of being a pedophile. Surveillance footage shows the group surrounding and chasing him, with one juvenile allegedly punching him in the head. Kevin Carroll, 18, is accused of slamming the soldier's head in his car door as he tried to escape. Carroll faces an additional assault and battery charge.
Joaquin Smith leaving Worcester District Court. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
Brainard initially reported the incident to campus police, claiming a "creepy guy" came to campus uninvited. However, police investigation, including text messages and surveillance footage, revealed the students' plan to stage a "Catch a Predator" scenario inspired by a TikTok trend. The students reportedly admitted to conspiring to lure and assault the soldier.
La Maison Francaise at Assumption University. (Rick Cinclair/Telegram & Gazette / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Kevin Carroll at Worcester District Court. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
Easton Randall at Worcester District Court. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
Joaquin Smith at Worcester District Court. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts. (Christine Peterson/Worcester Telegram & Gazette via USA Today Network)
