LEONARDTOWN, MD- A jury in St. Mary’s County has found Joshua Terrell Trippett, 28, of Lusby, Maryland, guilty of kidnapping and false imprisonment. The conviction stems from an incident that took place on November 16, 2023.
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced the verdict, detailing the circumstances of the crime. According to Sterling, Trippett kidnapped a car dealership employee during a supposed vehicle test drive. Trippett drove recklessly and ignored the victim’s repeated requests to return to the dealership.
“The defendant kidnapped a car dealership employee under the guise of a vehicle test drive. He drove dangerously and refused to return to the dealership despite the victim’s multiple pleas to do so. The defendant maliciously exploited the employee’s good faith. Preying on the trust of others is reprehensible, and I hope the verdict brings the victim a sense of justice,” said Sterling.
Trippett now faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. He will remain in custody without bond until his sentencing hearing.
The investigation was led by Detective Andrew Burgess of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County. The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the proceedings.
