Overview
- Defendants Tate Trauthwein, Edward Kenny III and Seth Day face kidnapping, battery and robbery counts, and Kaylee Bradley is charged with robbery and accessory to robbery.
- The case centers on a Nov. 16 incident at Fire Station 21 where a 19-year-old rookie reported being restrained, whipped with a belt and waterboarded to force access to his phone.
- Investigative interviews released to media describe a pattern of roughhousing at the station, with some former employees characterizing the episode as a joke that went too far.
- Marion County Fire Rescue has fired 10 personnel tied to the station, including leadership positions, following an internal review separate from the criminal prosecution.
- Agency officials acknowledge staffing strain from the firings and say they are working to restore community trust as the investigation and court proceedings continue.