Students Face Charges for TikTok-Inspired Sting Gone Wrong

Five students from Assumption University in Worcester found themselves in trouble after trying to pull a "catch a predator" stunt on TikTok. The plan went awry when the man they lured onto campus turned out to be interested in meeting an adult, not a minor. The incident began when 18-year-old Kelsy Brainard invited a man to the campus via Tinder. Once he arrived, he was surrounded by 25 to 30 students, all accusing him of being a pedophile. Joaquin Smith, Kevin Carroll, Easton Randall, and Isabella Trudeau were among those charged with conspiracy and kidnapping. Brainard also faced witness intimidation charges, while Carroll was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The man reported being harassed, unable to leave the scene, and physically attacked. He was allegedly chased to his car, punched, and had his car door slammed on him. Carroll admitted slamming the man's head into the car door. Police stated that the group's goal was to simulate a TikTok trend where a sexual predator is lured and assaulted. However, it seems there was a misunderstanding about the man's intentions. The university condemned the students' actions, noting that such behavior contradicts their mission and values. They emphasized the importance of respect and dignity in their community. The students are set to appear in court on January 16.