Mississippi man faces up to 40 years in jail after being convicted of kidnapping girlfriend in 2023

A Mississippi man faces up to 40 years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping his girlfriend and illegally possessing a firearm.

Joseph Zattoni ‘s conviction was announced by Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens Thursday.

The conviction stems from a February 2023 incident in which Zattoni abducted a young woman, identified as his girlfriend, following a domestic dispute. Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers responded to a call on Highway 473 after the woman reported being forced out of her own car and into Zattoni’s vehicle.

Authorities located the victim’s car abandoned on the side of the road, with her belongings still inside. Investigators determined that Zattoni had fired shots at the vehicle as the woman attempted to flee his home after a heated argument.

Zattoni now faces up to 30 years in prison for kidnapping, along with an additional 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2024.