MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Four former Marion County Fire Rescue employees have pleaded guilty to charges tied to a violent hazing incident involving a rookie firefighter and have now been sentenced.
The case stems from a November 2025 incident at a Marion County fire station, where a 19-year-old firefighter was assaulted by coworkers during what authorities described as hazing. The situation escalated far beyond typical workplace misconduct, involving physical violence and coercion.
According to investigators, the victim was chased, restrained and struck with a belt and at one point was waterboarded after refusing to give up access to his phone.
In the latest development, three of the firefighters – identified as Seth Day, Edward Kenny and Tate Trauthwein – changed their pleas to guilty of simple battery as part of a negotiated agreement.
A judge sentenced the three to 12 months of probation, along with $250 fine and additional court costs. They were also ordered to complete 10 weeks of anger management, take a four-hour Florida bullying course and have no contact with the victim.
Those involved were terminated following the incident and criminal charges were filed against multiple individuals. The case drew widespread attention due to the severity of the allegations and concerns about workplace culture within emergency services.
The victim has since returned to work, according to prior reports, while officials continue to emphasize accountability and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.