A New Hampshire man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for kidnapping an interstate truck driver in Vermont, officials said.
On June 20, 2025, Barry Perez, of Lebanon, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 78 months’ imprisonment. The Court also ordered Perez to pay restitution in the amount of $44,626.00 and recommended that the Bureau of Prisons not give Perez credit for time he has been detained pending the sentencing date.
According to court records, Perez stole a box truck in Lebanon, New Hampshire, in the early morning hours of January 13, 2023. He drove the stolen truck into Vermont along Interstate 89. Perez was under the influence of various illegal drugs at the time of the crime.
After crashing the box truck near Exit 1 on I-89, a tractor-trailer driver with an interstate shipment stopped to assist Perez. Perez displayed what appeared to be a handgun, but was in fact a pellet gun, to force the truck driver to drive him further north on I-89. When Perez dozed off, the truck driver was able to stop the truck and escape. After a standoff, Perez was arrested in Berlin, Vermont, and taken into custody.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Berlin Police Department. ‘The sentence handed down today reflects the serious nature of this crime,’ Drescher said. ‘We commend the bravery of the truck driver and the law enforcement agencies that worked tirelessly to bring Perez to justice.’
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf. Perez was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.
In a statement, Van de Graaf said, ‘The sentence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.’
Perez pleaded guilty to kidnapping the interstate truck driver on January 13, 2023. He faces a 5-year term of supervised release after serving his sentence.
Related Federal Cases
- Perez Sentenced 78 Months for Kidnapping Interstate Trucker · New Hampshire
- Matthew Martin Pleads Guilty to 8 Violent Robberies Across Two States · New Hampshire
- Gary Lee Sampson Sentenced to Death for 2001 Murder Spree · Massachusetts
- Vermont Man Gets 15 Years for 8 Armed Robberies · New Hampshire
- Vt. Kidnapper Everett Simpson Sentenced to 300 Months · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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