NYS couple charged in kidnapping of Amish girls

NYS couple charged in kidnapping of Amish girls

CORNWALL, Ontario – A New York State couple face first-degree kidnapping charges in the abduction of a pair of Amish girls within an hour’s drive of Cornwall.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department arrested the couple Friday, with aid of information provided by the girls who were taken Wednesday while operating the family’s roadside stand.

A New York State prosecutor later confirmed to the Associated Press officials suspect the girls were sexualy assaulted.

The sheriff’s department said Stephen Howells Jr. and Nicole Vaisey, both of Hermon, N.Y., were prowling for easy targets and may have planned to abduct other children.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department also indicated they are looking into whether the pair had plotted or carried out other abductions.

The suspects are being held without bail and have a preliminary court appearance scheduled for this week.

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