The Brief
- Kayne Stuart was beaten and waterboarded while filling in at Marion County Fire Rescue’s “Friendship Station” in December 2025.
- Three firefighters involved faced criminal prosecution and pleaded guilty to battery. Ten people in total were fired.
- Stuart has now reached a settlement with Marion County.
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A man who was beaten and waterboarded while filling in at Marion County Fire Rescue’s “Friendship Station” in December 2025 just reached a plea deal with the county.
Kayne Stuart was working at Marion County Fire’ Station 21 last December when four firefighters took part in beating him with his own belt, dragged him across the parking lot and waterboarded him three times with a towel, as described by the Marion County Sheriff’s office.
After Stuart spoke up, three of the firefighters involved faced criminal prosecution and pleaded guilty to battery. Ten people in total were fired.
What we know:…