On Sunday, a jury found Gary Arnold guilty of five charges, including kidnapping, extortion, and conspiracy to kidnap James and Sandra Helm of Moira, New York. The Helms were abducted from their home, taken by boat to Quebec through the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne, and held in a cottage in Magog, Quebec for two days before being rescued by a Quebec provincial police tactical unit. The prosecution argued Arnold was one of four men behind the scheme, which was meant to leverage the couple for the return of 50 kilograms of cocaine, $3.5 million cash, or their grandson, Mackenzie, who had been arrested in Vermont with the drugs. Arnold’s prepaid cellphone was detected at a cell tower near the Helms’ home when they were taken, and prosecutors noted that his phone records indicated he was in constant contact with the other conspirators. Arnold testified he had acted under threats against his life and his family, and that he had followed orders from a man named “Big.” The jury’s verdict came after they had been sequestered on February 7 and began deliberations the following day. Two counts of forcible confinement were withdrawn, and Arnold will return to court for the sentencing phase on March 6.
Quebec man convicted of abducting and extorting NY couple.
