An arrest warrant has been issued for a Vancouver Island dad wanted for abducting his young daughter, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP say.
Jesse Bennett, the father of 7-year-old Violet Bennett, is now facing an abduction charge after failing to return Violet to her mother roughly two months ago, as ordered by Victoria Family Courts.
According to police, Jesse and Violet were first reported missing on January 24th and haven’t been seen or heard from since.
As the search continues, police say investigators have gathered “sufficient evidence” to recommend a criminal charge against Jesse, leading a Provincial Court to issue a warrant for his arrest on Tuesday.
“Investigators continue to liaise with Jesse’s family in hopes to further this investigation and ensure Violet’s well-being,” said North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
“Jesse could be anywhere in Canada at this point.”
Last month, Victoria Buzz spoke with Violet’s mother, Roget Hall.
In an interview, Roget recalled October 7th, 2021. That’s the day Jesse sent her a message, saying Violet wouldn’t be returned to her because she was wearing a face mask to school.
“The only option he gave me to get her back was to take her out of school to be homeschooled—something I refused to do,” Roget explained, “as Violet has resources set up at school that I believed she needed, something I was unable to provide for her.”
“So I took him to court.”
According to Roget, the January 20th court date was the last day she heard from Jesse—the same day the courts ordered him to return Violet into her custody.
But Jesse didn’t follow through.
“Please just bring her back,” Roget said, pleading to Jesse. “If Jesse could just give me a sign she’s alive and that she’s safe, it would put my mind at ease.”
SEE ALSO: Victoria mother pleads for return of missing daughter
Described as a Caucasian man, 36-year-old Jesse stands at 5’10” and weighs 160 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair (possibly shaved head or wearing a hat). He also has a beard.
Violet is described as a Caucasian girl, standing about 4′ tall and weighing 50-60 pounds. She has blue eyes and big natural curly hair.
Anyone with any information about Jesse or Violet’s whereabouts is urged to call their local police detachment or the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.
