Two Arrested in the Alleged Kidnapping of Vermont Woman

Mack Varnum, 45, and Nichole Cloutier, 36, were taken into custody for allegedly kidnapping an unidentified woman. According to People, Varnum and Cloutier are facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and aggravated domestic assault. 

The New York Post reports first responders arrived at Bay Street in St. Johnsbury around 11:30 on Feb. 23., after they received a report of a woman in a vehicle with her hands bound and part of her head covered with a bag. 

The victim was freed and taken to the hospital, where she told authorities she had been kidnapped earlier that day from the side of the road by the man and his cohort. According to WCAX, the victim had been living with Varnum, and a dispute allegedly began between the two after the victim borrowed his truck to go pick up drugs. The victim walked away from home but was then forcibly picked up by Varnum and Cloutier. She was bound for hours while the two suspects drove around Peacham. 

Varnum and Cloutier pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail at the Northeast Regional Correctional Center. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 27.