Deputies: 4 Marion County Fire Rescue first responders fired for hazing, waterboarding teen firefighter
OCALA, Fla. - Four Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters are facing serious charges linked to kidnapping, battery, robbery and accessory, the Marion County Sheriff's office reported Wednesday.
What we know:
The Marion County Sheriff's office said four employees with the Marion County Fire Rescue were arrested on Nov. 26 for kidnapping, battery and robbery. The sheriff's office reported these arrests on Nov. 26.
In a Nov. 16 "hazing incident," at Marion County Fire Rescue's Fire Station 21 in Ocala, an employee with Marion County Fire Rescue was beaten with his own belt, Sheriff Billy Woods said – all over a TikTok video the victim had.
The victim's underwear was removed, and he was hit again with his belt, Woods said.
The individuals were also charged with kidnapping due to allegedly dragging the victim across a parking lot, taking him from one place to another. Some of the firefighters were charged with robbery when they took the victim's phone.
The victim was later waterboarded three times with a towel. The victim made it clear this was outside of what he thought could be perceived as a minor offense, the sheriff said.
Marion County Fire Rescue supervisors were made aware of the allegations and immediately notified the sheriff's office.
"Unfortunately, they took it to this level," Woods said.
Four firefighters terminated
Four Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters were arrested.
Kaylee Bradley, 25, – a paramedic who's been with the department for two years – was arrested for robbery and principal accessory to robbery.
Tate Trauthwein, 19, – a firefighter/EMT who's been with the department for one year – was arrested for kidnapping, battery and robbery.
Edward Kenny, 22, – an EMT who's been with the department for three years – was arrested for kidnapping, battery and robbery.
Seth Day, 22, – a firefighter/EMT who's been with the department for two years – was arrested for kidnapping, battery and robbery.
Following their arrests, the four firefighters were terminated, Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta said Nov. 26. The firehouse where this occurred did not have a fire chief assigned, Banta confirmed. A lieutenant and captain are assigned there, he said. It's not known if the lieutenant or captain witnessed the incident.
"These individuals involved in this incident forfeited their right to wear this uniform," Banta said.
‘Sick to my stomach’
"What occurred is absolutely unacceptable. … It makes me sick to my very stomach," Marion County Commissioner Carl Zalak, III said. "… A small group of employees treated the firehouse like a frat house."
Open criminal investigation
A criminal case is ongoing as officials are looking further into the actions of these four individuals.
The case may include the actions or inactions of other firefighters at the station that day, Banta said.
"We will not tolerate a culture or environment where misconduct can go unreported," he said.
The victim, 19, remains an employee of Marion County Fire Rescue, Banta confirmed. He's been working with the department for one year.
What's next:
The four suspects were taken to the Marion County Sheriff's Office Jail where they are now awaiting their first appearance.