A Virginia businessman has pleaded not guilty to charges he helped a woman flee the country with her daughter to avoid sharing custody with her former lesbian partner.
Philip Zodhiates declined comment after appearing briefly in Buffalo federal court Wednesday on charges he helped Lisa Miller cross the border into Canada with her daughter, Isabella, in 2009.
Lisa Miller renounced homosexuality after ending the civil union she entered into with Janet Jenkins in Vermont in 2000. She's believed to be in Central America.
Zodhiates, Miller and a Mennonite missionary are charged in a federal indictment with international parental kidnapping and conspiracy. Only Zodhiates is believed to be in the country.
Miller and Jenkins split in 2003. Miller disappeared with Isabella shortly before a Vermont court transferred custody to Jenkins.
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