An arrest warrant for abduction has been issued for Jesse Bennett, who disappeared with his young daughter on Jan. 23.

As North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP officers continue to search for Jesse and his daughter Violet Bennett, investigators have now gathered enough evidence to recommend a criminal charge against him, said an RCMP press release.

As a result, a warrant for his arrest has been issued by a provincial court. Jesse is wanted for abduction in contravention of a custody order.

On Jan. 20, the Victoria Family Law Court set out a joint custody agreement and ordered Jesse to return Violet, 7, the same day to her mother, Roget Jade Hall.

On Jan. 23, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP received a report from family that Jesse and Violet were missing from their home, located in the Cowichan Valley.

Jesse and Violet have not been seen since.

sa国际传媒淟osing your child is every parentsa国际传媒檚 worst fear, and all I wish for more than having her back is to know that shesa国际传媒檚 OK, something Isa国际传媒檝e had to go the last two months not knowing,sa国际传媒� said Hall in a message to the Citizen.

Hall said shesa国际传媒檚 been struggling to keep her life going and not isolate herself as her mental health has declined with the long separation. Shesa国际传媒檚 been focusing on preparing to help Violet return to normal life once she returns.

sa国际传媒淚 hope Violet knows Isa国际传媒檓 fighting for her, and always will. We all miss her dearly, and just want her back,sa国际传媒� Hall said.

Jesse is described as a white man, 36 years old, 5 foot 10, 160 lbs, with blue eyes and brown hair (possibly with a shaved head or wearing hat), and a beard.

Violet Bennett is a white girl, approximately four feet tall, weighing 50-60 lbs, with blue eyes and big naturally curly hair.

Investigators are continuing to communicate with Jessesa国际传媒檚 family, they said, in hopes of furthering the investigation and ensuring Violetsa国际传媒檚 well being.

sa国际传媒淚 just hope that now a warrant has been given, whoever is supporting and helping him will come forward,sa国际传媒� said Hall.

Jesse could be anywhere in Canada at this point, the RCMP press release said.

If you have any information about Jesse or Violetsa国际传媒檚 whereabouts, contact the police in your jurisdiction right away, or the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.