Trooper fired after sexual assalt charge

PIKESVILLE, Md. - Officials with the Maryland State Police have confirmed a trooper charged Thursday in Cecil County with sexual solicitation of a minor has been fired.

In a press release issued Friday, the agency shared that the 21-year-old trooper, Joshua Wright, was terminated Friday afternoon.

Wright was charged with four criminal counts, including a felony, in connection with a criminal investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Investigators say Wright sent a text message to a high school student attempting to pay her for sexual acts.They say Wright also attempted to pay off a witness to the incident.

Wright began his employment with the Maryland State Police as a cadet in February 2011. He graduated from the State Police Academy as a trooper in July 2012 and was assigned to patrol duties at the Easton Barrack. All troopers remain in a probationary status for 18 months following their graduation. 

Maryland State Police suspended Wright with pay on November 28, 2012, after being notified by the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office that he was a suspect in a criminal investigation.