The prosecution will ask for 17 years in prison for Gary Arnold, recently convicted by a jury of conspiracy and of having kidnapped and extorted a couple of American septuagenarians in the fall of 2020.
Sandra and James Helm were abducted by several individuals from their residence in Moira, New York, in the late evening of September 27, 2020 and freed by members of the United States Security Quebec two days later in a chalet in Magog, in the Eastern Townships.
The story caused a stir in Quebec and the United States. The suspects’ goal was to obtain a ransom of several million dollars after the couple’s grandson was arrested, and the cocaine he was transporting seized in Vermont a few days earlier, as part of an investigation of there Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States.
Although, during his trial, Arnold, 54, testified and denied having participated in the kidnapping and forcible confinement, and said that he was involved in this affair under duress, the jury did not believe him and the was found guilty on all counts after 12 days of deliberation on February 19.
Simple participant c. key player
Sentencing arguments began Monday morning before Judge Michel Pennou of the Superior Court.
Prosecutor Me Édith Lafontaine of the Serious Crime and Special Affairs Office of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) announced that the Prosecution will ask for 17 years while Arnold’s lawyer, Mr.e John T. Pepper Jr. has indicated that his suggestion will revolve more around ten years incarceration.
Me Pepper notably stated that contrary to what one of the two victims said, Ms.me Sandra Helm, during her testimony, her client was never present in the couple’s house and bedroom on the evening of the abduction.
He repeated that his client found himself involved in this affair under threat and that the sentence should be less than those imposed on two accomplices, Franco D’Onofrio and Kosmas Dritsas, sentenced respectively to 15 and 13 years in prison.
“I consider my client as a participant rather than an orchestra conductor”, imaged Me Pepper.
“He was a key player,” retorted Me Lafontaine, according to whom the evidence against Mr. Arnold is strong.
“It doesn’t matter whether Mr. Arnold was in the (Helms’) house or not,” added the prosecutor.
Sentencing will continue next week.
To reach Daniel Renaud, dial 514 285-7000, ext. 4918, write to [email protected] or write to the postal address of The Press.