Six college students from New England face kidnapping charges after allegedly using a dating app to lure an active-duty service member to their campus in a plot inspired by the “To Catch a Predator” trend on TikTok.
The students from Assumption University, including Kelsy Brainard (18), Easton Randall (19), Kevin Carroll (18), Isabella Trudeau (18), and Joaquin Smith (18), appeared in court Thursday for their arraignment. A sixth student, a minor, was charged in juvenile court.
According to authorities, the group used Brainard’s Tinder profile to invite the 22-year-old serviceman to their campus in October. The victim, in town for his grandmother’s funeral, reportedly used the app seeking company.
Upon arrival, Brainard allegedly led the man to a basement lounge, where the group ambushed him, accusing him of being a pedophile and attempting to have sex with minors.
The victim managed to escape but was pursued to his car by about 25 students, some of whom recorded the incident on their phones. He reported being punched in the head during the chase.
Brainard later filed a police report claiming the man was a sexual predator, but surveillance footage revealed she had invited him inside. Investigators also found no evidence in their messages suggesting the man sought to engage with minors.
The group reportedly staged the event for social media, inspired by the “catch a predator” trend. Surveillance and cellphone videos showed the students laughing and celebrating after the incident.
Charges Filed
- Conspiracy and Kidnapping: All five adult students face these charges.
- Additional Charges: Brainard was charged with witness intimidation, and Carroll faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for allegedly slamming the victim’s head into a car door. The minor is accused of punching the serviceman.
All five adult defendants pleaded not guilty. Trudeau’s lawyer has filed a motion to dismiss her case, citing insufficient evidence.
