RALEIGH -- The woman accused of kidnapping her 17-month-old twins from their adoptive parents and fleeing to Canada must remain in jail until her trial, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Gates said Allison Quets, 49, posed too much of a flight risk.

Quets, 49, is charged with international parental kidnapping after being arrested in Ottawa, Ontario, Dec. 29. She had spent a week on the run with her twins, whom she said she relinquished for adoption while suffering from postpartum illness.

In court Friday, Quets wiped away tears as Gates explained the decision. Her attorney, Dennis H. Sullivan Jr., argued that Quets wouldn't go anywhere if released, saying Quets is a stable, educated woman.

Federal prosecutor John Bowler said Quets would go to all lengths to get what she wanted.

Quets, of Orlando, Fla., challenged the legality of the adoption before a Florida judge but lost. She appealed the ruling and was given continued visitation rights.

Her visit with the twins the weekend before Christmas was court-sanctioned, but authorities say Quets fled with the twins instead of returning them Dec. 24.

The twins were found with Quets in Canada and returned to their adoptive parents, Denise and Kevin Needham of Apex, a Raleigh suburb.

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