A judge has dismissed kidnapping and conspiracy charges against five Massachusetts college students. The students, from Assumption University, were accused of luring a man to their campus using a dating app in a scheme reminiscent of the "Catch a Predator" trend. The charges against Kelsey Brainard, Isabella Trudeau, Joaquin Smith, Kevin Carroll, and Easton Randall were dismissed by a Worcester District Court judge.
The judge's decision followed motions to dismiss filed by the students' lawyers, who argued that prosecutors lacked probable cause. Information regarding a sixth student, who was charged as a juvenile, was not immediately available.
According to a statement from Brainard’s lawyer, the court applied the law correctly after a fair hearing. The Worcester District Attorney’s Office declined to comment, citing pending cases.
Prosecutors alleged the group used Brainard’s Tinder account to pose as a 17-year-old woman, luring a 22-year-old active-duty military service member to the university in October. Upon the man's arrival, a group confronted him, accusing him of being a pedophile. The man reported being chased by approximately 25 people and assaulted before escaping in his car.
The defense argued that surveillance footage did not show evidence of the man being prevented from leaving. Brainard's lawyer also stated that Brainard remained inside the lounge during the incident and there was no evidence of the group planning to hold the man against his will.
According to a police report, Randall told officers the group was inspired by the "catch a predator" trend on TikTok. They recruited students through their dormitory chat, claiming a "predator" was coming to the school. The Tinder conversation revealed the woman claiming to be 17, with the man responding that it was acceptable since she was in college. Brainard contacted authorities after the attack, alleging the man was a sexual predator, which police found to be false.
The Assumption University Police Department filed charges based on the incident, which were then prosecuted by the district attorney. The university spokesperson stated that all charges are within the purview of the judicial system.
Carroll is still charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and Brainard is facing a witness intimidation charge.
5 Comments
Leonardo
I trust the judicial system. If there wasn’t enough evidence, then dismissing the charges was the right move.
Raphael
This shows that the law works; they’re innocent until proven guilty. Great to see fairness in action!
Donatello
Glad the judge made the right call based on insufficient evidence. Justice was served!
Michelangelo
How can the justice system let these so-called 'students' off the hook after such reckless behavior?
Raphael
I appreciate that the court took the time to examine the evidence thoroughly before making a decision.