3 Sentenced for Kidnapping, Stuffing Dearborn Woman in Trunk

DEARBORN, MI – Terrell Smith will spend up to 65 years in prison and Patricia Jernigan, his co-defendant in last fall’s kidnapping of a Dearborn woman at gunpoint, will serve up to 15 years in prison under sentences imposed Wednesday by 3rd District Circuit Court Judge James Callahan, authorities said.

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A third defendant, Jarron Pittman, Smith’s brother, accepted a plea agreement on a charge of witness intimidation and is serving up to 10 years in prison, the Dearborn Police Department said in a statement. Pittman contacted the victim and tried to persuade her not to file charges against Smith and Jernigan, police said.

Smith, 21, was convicted Wednesday after a jury trial on charges of torture, kidnapping, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery and unlawful imprisonment. His minimum sentence is 42 years in prison.

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• Dearborn Woman Stuffed in Trunk at Gunpoint, Jumps Out in Traffic

Jernigan, 23, who pleaded guilty to armed robbery and unlawful imprisonment, was ordered to serve a minimum of five years in prison.

“This was a disturbing crime which we devoted many resources to in order to quickly apprehend the suspects,” Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said in a statement. “We are grateful that the victim escaped with only minor injuries and remained steadfast in her resolve to follow through with prosecution. We are pleased that justice has been served.”

Image credit: From left, Terrell Smith, Patricia Jernigan and Jarron Pittman via Dearborn Police Department