The Saskatchewan RCMP has issued a nationwide warrant for Michael Gordon Jackson’s arrest.
In a news release issued Friday afternoon, Saskatchewan RCMP charged Jackson with one count of abduction in contravention of custody or parenting order.
Jackson, 52, has been missing for roughly two months after he failed to bring his daughter Sarah back to her mother after a scheduled visit.
The former couple share custody of their daughter after divorcing several years ago.
The mother’s lawyer, Jill Drennan, said Michael began “over holding” the child in November — essentially not returning her when he was supposed to. Drennan alleges he’d done so many times prior.
“In early November, he picked her up from school. It appeared as though at that time it was based on the vaccination issue that he was objecting returning her,” Drennan said.
Since that time, two court orders have been issued. The first one, on Nov. 26, was immediately appealed by Michael, meaning it couldn’t be executed right away. It was lifted on Dec. 8.
On Jan. 5, another court order terminated joint custody and parenting time under the previous agreement and made any future visits supervised.
Investigators believe there may be people helping Michael Gordon Jackson evade police.
“It is important to remember this activity may result in criminal code charges,” the release warned.
“We want you to know that you are not in any trouble,” Chief Superintendent Tyler Bates, Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP South District said, addressing the child in the release.
“Your mom misses you very much and we have police officers doing what they can so you can see her again soon.”
Investigators have followed up on several tips and reported sightings of Michael Gordon Jackson and his daughter since the court order was issued on Jan. 5.
“Every one of these has been thoroughly investigated and police officers have determined all sightings reported to police were not Michael Gordon Jackson or his daughter,” the release stated
Video surveillance at multiple businesses was reviewed as part of these tips. RCMP say the criteria for an Amber Alert has not been met.
“Our investigators are diligently following up on all tips and reported sightings. Every piece of information received is thoroughly examined and investigated. The charge laid against Michael Gordon Jackson is significant. The seriousness of the charge is reflected in the fact that the Saskatchewan RCMP have laid 34 charges in relation to 21 investigations since 1998.”
Michael Gordon Jackson is described as a 52-year-old man, weighing approximately 250 pounds with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He typically wears glasses. He does not have a known vehicle. He lives in the Carievale area and may have connections to the communities of Dilke, Oxbow, Alameda, Regina, and Lamont, Alta. However, he may be in other communities.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Michael Gordon Jackson or his daughter are asked to call the Saskatchewan RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267) or (306) 780-5563.
Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to remove information that could identify the child.