A 7-year-old old girl who was reported missing on January 23rd, after father Jesse Bennett failed to return her as ordered by Family Courts has been located and is safe.
Three months after the ordeal began, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said someone known to Violet Bennett was dropped off at the detachment on the evening of April 20th.
Violet is back with her mother, according to police.
In an interview with Victoria Buzz in February, Violet’s mother, Roget Hall, told Victoria Buzz she last saw her daughter on January 3rd.
That’s when 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.
Violet’s father, Jesse Bennett is still wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant for abduction in contravention of a custody order.
“This investigation came to a positive ending, thanks to the work of our partnering police agencies, the media and ultimately the public who provided tips in hope to safely locate Violet,” RCMP said in a release.
Described as a Caucasian man, Jesse is 36-years-old, 5’10” and 160 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair (possibly shaved head or wearing a hat). He also has a beard.
Police say they will not release any further details to respect the family’s privacy.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call local police or the North Cowichan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.
