WORCESTER — A misguided attempt to emulate Chris Hansen’s “To Catch a Predator,” style sting operations, a trend now popular on TikTok, has resulted in serious legal consequences for five Assumption University students.
According to court documents obtained by the Telegram & Gazette, Assumption University police allege that, a core group of five students, without any evidence, accused a man—that one of them met on Tinder—of being a sexual predator. They then lured him to campus and enlisted the help of a “mob” of roughly 30 students to chase and assault the man while filming the incident for the purpose of posting it on social media. Assumption University is a Catholic university.
The core group of students Assumption police charged in the incident are: Kevin Carroll Randall, 18, of Holden; Isabella Trudeau, 18, of Sterling; Kelsy Brainard, 18, of Holyoke; Easton Randall, 19, of Jericho, Vermont; and Joaqin Smith, 18, of West Haven, Connecticut — along with one unidentified juvenile.
According to a statement of facts filed in court by Assumption police Sergeant Christopher Shea, Brainard,18, of Holyoke, was the student who “met” and corresponded with the man on the dating/hookup app Tinder. Brainard then conspired with the group to lure the man to campus.
Sgt. Shea reported that Brainard told police the man was a “creep” who thought he was meeting a 17-year-old girl for sex. However, police noted that Brainard’s Tinder profile listed her as 18, and the investigation uncovered no evidence that the man was seeking to engage in sex with underage girls.
Sgt. Shea reported that surveillance footage showed Brainard guiding the man to a lounge in Alumni Hall at around 10:30 p.m. on October 1. Following this, the group sent text messages to about 25 – 30 male students, summoning them to assist in apprehending a predator.
Sgt. Shea reported that Brainard and others gave false statements, both initially and during questioning, that downplayed or misrepresented the events, which were later contradicted by video evidence. The surveillance footage, according to Sgt. Shea, showed Brainard sitting in the lounge a fair distance from the man, smiling, and appearing at ease, contrary to her claims of feeling uncomfortable around him.
Sgt. Shea stated that the group of men came out of “secreted” locations in the lounge, grabbed the man to prevent him from leaving, and accused him of being a predator.
Sgt. Shea stated that the man broke free and ran toward his car while being pursued by the group of 25 to 30 students. According to Sgt. Shea, a juvenile struck the man from behind during the chase, and surveillance footage showed the group surrounding his vehicle, kicking him, and slamming his head into the car door before he was able to drive away and contact police. Sgt. Shea said that Randall, the 18-year-old student from Holden, admitted to police that he was the one who slammed the man’s head into the car door.
“There is absolutely no evidence presented to indicate that (the man) was seeking sexual relations with underage girls,” wrote Sgt. Shea. He stated that the five students charged were “primary” actors in “inveigling” the alleged victim.
All five students have been charged with kidnapping—a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison—and conspiracy in connection with the case. The court issued the charges on December 4. Brainard faces an additional charge of witness intimidation, while Carroll is also charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
In a statement sent to the Telegram & Gazette on Tuesday, university spokesperson Marisa Gregg said that the actions outlined in court records are “abhorrent and antithetical to Assumption University’s mission and values.”
“Our public safety team, in concert with other University departments, commenced an immediate and thorough investigation — with concern for the victim at the forefront — which resulted in the charges filed against the students named in the filing. While we cannot comment on the ongoing student conduct investigations and attendant disciplinary processes, Assumption University is committed to maintaining a campus environment where every individual is treated with respect and dignity — including guests,” Gregg said. Adding, “We strongly condemn all forms of violence and misconduct, and we are dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel safe and supported.”
The students are scheduled to be arraigned on January 16.
