Sask. RCMP obtain Canada-wide warrant for anti-vaccine dad charged with abducting daughter, 7

Saskatchewan RCMP have charged and obtained a Canada-wide arrest warrant for a Carievale, Sask., man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Michael Gordon Jackson, 52, is charged with one count of abduction in contravention of a custody or parenting order, RCMP said in a news release Friday evening.

It comes after CBC News reported earlier this month that the father fled with his seven-year-old daughter, Sarah, in mid-November to keep her from getting immunized against the coronavirus. Jackson's ex-wife, Mariecar Jackson, had wanted to get their daughter vaccinated, but Jackson did not. 

The girl had been visiting her father when she was allegedly abducted.

Since an enforceable court order was issued earlier this month, investigators say they have followed up on several tips and reported sightings of the father and daughter — including by reviewing surveillance footage at several businesses. However, no tips have led to locating them.

At this point, RCMP say, the criteria for an Amber Alert has not been met, which is why Mounties are continuing to ask the public for help in tracking the pair down.

"Sarah: we want you to know that you are not in any trouble," Chief Supt. Tyler Bates, the officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP south district, said in a message to the girl contained in the news release.

"Your mom misses you very much, and we have police officers doing what they can so you can see her again soon."

Sarah is described as four feet two inches tall, 76 pounds, with waist-length brown hair that's all one length. She has brown/hazel-coloured eyes and last wore teal-coloured eyeglasses.

Michael Jackson is described as weighing about 250 pounds with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He also typically wears glasses, RCMP said.

While Jackson resides in the Carievale area — located in Saskatchewan's southeast corner — Mounties said he may have connections to the communities of Dilke, Oxbow, Alameda and Regina, along with Lamont, Alta. RCMP said he may also be in Manitoba.

"Locating Michael Gordon Jackson and Sarah is a top priority for Saskatchewan RCMP officers," Bates said. "Our investigators are diligently following up on all tips and reported sightings. We are committed to locating Michael Gordon Jackson and reuniting Sarah with her mom."

WATCH | Sask. woman says she'll never stop looking for her child:

Sask. mom pleads for public's help finding daughter taken by anti-vaccine dad

3 years ago

Duration 1:55

A Saskatchewan mother is pleading for the public's help to locate her seven-year-old daughter taken in mid-November by the girl's father to prevent her from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

RCMP noted that investigators believe Michael Jackson may be getting help in evading police and reminded people that this activity may result in criminal charges. 
 
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Michael or Sarah Jackson is asked to call the Saskatchewan RCMP at 306-310-7267 or 306-780-5563. Tips can also be anonymously submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.