Judge Reviews Motions in Kidnapping Case

Chief District Judge Elizabeth Dillon evaluates evidentiary and trial procedure motions in the federal kidnapping case.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Crime — General

Judge Reviews Motions in Kidnapping Case

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Should co-defendants who worked together on an alleged crime be required to stand trial together?

Chief District Judge Elizabeth Dillon held a status hearing in Charlottesville regarding a federal kidnapping case involving co-defendants Valerie Hayes and Gary Reburn. The court is considering motions for separate trials and the admissibility of past acts as evidence.

Why it matters

The court's upcoming rulings on the admissibility of evidence and trial structure are critical to ensuring a fair legal process for both defendants. These decisions will determine whether past actions can be used to prove motive and if the defendants will face trial together.

Judge Elizabeth Dillon presided over a two-hour status hearing to address motions regarding trial procedures and evidentiary standards. Rulings on these requests, which include a request for a neurological evaluation for Reburn, are expected later this year.

The players

Elizabeth Dillon

She is the Chief District Judge presiding over the federal kidnapping case involving Valerie Hayes and Gary Reburn.

Valerie Hayes

She is a co-defendant in the kidnapping case who was previously involved in activities in Scotland.

Gary Reburn

He is a co-defendant in the kidnapping case who has requested a mental health evaluation for a potential neurological condition.

The details

The government seeks to introduce evidence of Hayes's past acts under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) to demonstrate motive, intent, and planning. Meanwhile, Reburn's defense counsel is pushing for a neuropsychological evaluation to support the claim that Reburn was susceptible to deception by Hayes.

The defendants were introduced to Frank and Jennifer Amnott in 2014.
A status hearing occurred in Charlottesville federal court in October 2026.
A follow-up hearing to issue rulings is scheduled for late November or early December 2026.

Legal Context

The prosecution's attempt to use past acts to establish intent follows the established precedent set by Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b). This standard dictates how prior conduct can be introduced to demonstrate motive, opportunity, or a plan, shaping the evidentiary landscape of the trial.

The proceedings in federal court serve to maintain the legal standards and public safety measures within the Charlottesville community. Residents can expect continued judicial activity as the court determines the procedural path for this high-profile kidnapping case.

The takeaway

Legal proceedings regarding evidentiary admissibility demonstrate the rigorous standards required to ensure fair trials in federal criminal cases. These hearings are essential to resolve disputes over potential prejudice before a case ever reaches a jury.

What happens next

Chief District Judge Elizabeth Dillon will convene a follow-up hearing in late November or early December 2026 to issue formal rulings on the pending motions.