Four first responders are facing serious charges after allegedly taking part in a violent hazing incident targeting a 19-year-old firefighter.
Edward Kenny III, 22, an EMT, along with 22-year-old Seth Day and 19-year-old Tate Trauthwein—both firefighter/EMTs—were arrested this week on charges of kidnapping, battery, and robbery, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. A fourth suspect, 25-year-old EMT Kaylee Bradley, was charged with robbery and being an accessory to robbery.
At a news conference, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods described the shocking events, which took place on November 16 at Marion County Fire Rescue Station 21 in Ocala. He said the hazing began with “grease being smeared on the victim” during his shift.
The situation escalated when the suspects demanded a TikTok video from the victim’s phone. When he refused, authorities said they chased him into the parking lot, stripped him of his pants and underwear, and used a belt to strike him. The harassment continued as the victim was dragged to another location and waterboarded three times with a towel. Despite the ordeal, he resisted their demands.
The incident finally ended when a call for service came into the station. Marion County Fire Rescue supervisors promptly alerted the sheriff’s office, triggering an investigation.
“What occurred was unacceptable, inexcusable and fundamentally contrary to the core values of our fire department,” Fire Rescue Chief James Banta said, adding that all suspects have been terminated.
Booking photos of the suspects are being withheld under state law. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspects have entered pleas or retained attorneys, though local reports indicate all, except Kenny, have been released on bond.
Chief Banta confirmed the victim remains employed at the station and has not taken time off, emphasizing the department’s commitment to supporting him.
My LACO EMT first responders disobayed doctor & my POA warnings and OD-ed my COPD type2 wife on O2 and killed her! I.e acidosis indused heart failuer! Edward Kenny III, was luckey not to be a paitent!
There was a time the people who became cops, ems.firefughters, etc were people you could trust, now no more