Five college students from Massachusetts are set to appear in court on Thursday, facing serious charges related to a disturbing incident that occurred last fall. The students are accused of plotting to lure a man through a dating app to their campus, reportedly inspired by a “Catch a Predator” trend on social media.
All five individuals, enrolled at Assumption University, a private Roman Catholic institution in Worcester, will undergo arraignment in Worcester District Court on charges of conspiracy and kidnapping.
Among the defendants, one female student, who communicated with the man via the app, faces an additional charge of witness intimidation. Another male student is also charged with assault and battery using a dangerous weapon. A sixth suspect, charged as a juvenile, has confidential records.
The victim, a 22-year-old active-duty service member, contacted law enforcement after the incident, revealing he had come to Worcester for his grandmother’s funeral and sought companionship. He recounted being invited to the campus by a student who claimed to be 18, only to be ambushed in a basement lounge.
Witness statements indicate that soon after he arrived, a group accused him of being a pedophile and wanting sexual relationships with minors. The man reported that he struggled to escape, pursued by around 25 individuals who physically assaulted him as he reached his vehicle.
Surveillance footage captured the chaotic scene, showing a crowd of students, including the female accused, recording the incident with their phones. The footage suggested a premeditated act, with students appearing to enjoy the spectacle. Investigators found no evidence supporting claims that the victim had any inappropriate intentions.
In the aftermath of the assault, the female student filed a report claiming the man was a predator. However, campus police determined that this assertion was unfounded after examining surveillance videos that contradicted her narrative.
