Man accused in abduction of N.Y. couple over drug debt denies involvement
MONTREAL — A man on trial for the kidnapping of a couple from Upstate New York who were smuggled into Quebec in September 2020 testified today he was never inside their house and, in fact, never met them.
Gary Arnold took the stand for a second day and told the jury he did not know kidnapping victims Sandra and James Helm or any members of their family and has never been to Magog, Que. where the couple were held until being freed by police.
Arnold, 54, faces seven charges including kidnapping, unlawful confinement, extortion and conspiracy stemming from the Sept. 27 abduction of the couple in their 70s, allegedly over a drug debt incurred by their grandson, Mackenzie Helm.
The Crown alleges the couple were taken as leverage to recoup missing drugs or $3.5 million cash.
