Defense Lawyers Claim Deception in Kidnapping Plot Case
Attorneys allege Valerie Hayes manipulated co-defendant Gary Reburn into participating in a kidnapping scheme.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Crime — General
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Legal counsel for Gary Reburn argues he was deceived by Valerie Hayes, who allegedly posed as a secret agent to orchestrate a kidnapping and murder plot. Both defendants now face a 16-count indictment following their extradition from Scotland to Virginia.
Why it matters
The defense's argument highlights the role of psychological manipulation in the alleged plot, claiming Reburn participated only due to false beliefs about having children with Hayes. Understanding this dynamic is central to the ongoing legal proceedings in the Virginia case.
Hayes and Reburn are currently awaiting a trial scheduled for next year following their 2025 extradition. Frank Amnott, the third original suspect, previously pled guilty to his role in the plot in 2019.
The players
Valerie Hayes
She is a primary defendant accused of masterminding the alleged kidnapping and murder plot.
Gary Reburn
He is a co-defendant who claims he was manipulated by Hayes during the course of the alleged conspiracy.
Frank Amnott
He was the third individual involved in the plot who previously entered a guilty plea.
The details
The indictment involves a plan that allegedly targeted 5 children for kidnapping and 4 parents for murder in Dayton. Reburn's lawyers contend he was manipulated over 8 years, believing he had children with Hayes and acting out of safety concerns for his family.
Timeline
The three suspects resided in Glasgow, Scotland, during 2018.
Frank Amnott pled guilty to his involvement in the plot in 2019.
Hayes and Reburn were extradited from Scottish prisons in 2025.
The pair is expected to face trial in 2027.
Legal Context
This case follows the 2019 guilty plea of Frank Amnott, reflecting the broader progression of the conspiracy investigation. It highlights how multi-defendant criminal cases often resolve through varying legal strategies and individual pleas in federal court.
The transition to trial in Virginia marks a shift in the ongoing investigation that once spanned from Maryland to Scotland. Residents of the affected areas may see further updates as the court process moves toward a 2027 trial date.
The takeaway
This case serves as a stark example of how defendants may use claims of psychological manipulation to defend against serious charges. The long duration of the suspects' detention in Scotland underscores the complexity of international extradition and multi-jurisdictional legal proceedings.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit Crime — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Record.
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