Jane Wilcox Pleads for Help to Bring Husband Home After Wrongful Arrest
Ontario, Canada, May 2, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
A Canadian man falsely accused of drug trafficking in the Dominican Republic remains stranded in the country weeks after all charges were dropped. David Bennett, of Burlington, Ontario, was detained on March 7 at Punta Cana Airport after customs officials mistakenly linked him to a suitcase containing drugs — a bag that did not match his name or travel records.
Wrong Identity Leads to Arrest
Bennett and his wife, Jane Wilcox, had been vacationing with friends at a Dominican resort. As they prepared to return home, Bennett was stopped at an automated customs gate and taken to an interrogation room. There, authorities presented a photo of a suspicious bag labeled “Davi Bennett,” which neither he nor his wife recognized. Despite their insistence that the luggage was not theirs, Bennett was charged with drug trafficking and held in custody before being released on $5,000 bail.
Charges Dropped but Return Delayed by Legal Red Tape
According to Wilcox, charges were withdrawn more than two weeks ago following assistance from their legal team and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). However, Bennett remains unable to leave the Dominican Republic due to procedural delays. Local courts must finalize paperwork verifying that the case has officially been closed — a process that remains stalled amid a severe backlog.
“They told us it would take 10 to 15 days,” Wilcox said. “We’ve passed that mark, and still, nothing has happened. This is an innocent man who just wants to come home.”
Pleas for Government Intervention
The family has reached out to multiple Canadian government entities, including Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Embassy in the Dominican Republic, and MP Karina Gould. Their lawyer has also appealed directly to Canada’s ambassador in the Dominican Republic, Jacqueline DeLima Baril, asking for immediate action to repatriate Bennett.
Despite reassurances that every effort is being made, the situation remains unresolved. “We feel like we’re being forgotten,” Wilcox said.
Ongoing Investigation in Canada
Wilcox confirmed that the RCMP has made an arrest in Canada connected to the case, though the agency has not publicly confirmed this due to the ongoing investigation. “The RCMP is actively investigating,” a spokesperson stated.
Mounting Costs and Emotional Toll
The ordeal has taken a significant financial and emotional toll on the couple. The family has already spent approximately $80,000 on legal fees and accommodations, and costs continue to rise. More urgently, Wilcox is growing concerned for her husband’s mental and physical health.
“I got a message from him saying he’s at his breaking point,” she said. “We’ve both started trauma counselling, but even when this is over, we have a long road to recovery.”
FAQs
Q1. Who is David Bennett and why was he arrested?
David Bennett is a Canadian citizen who was wrongly arrested in the Dominican Republic on drug trafficking charges linked to a misidentified suitcase.
Q2. Have the charges been dropped?
Yes, all charges were officially withdrawn more than two weeks ago with assistance from Canadian authorities.
Q3. Why is he still stuck in the Dominican Republic?
Court paperwork confirming the case closure has been delayed due to a backlog in the Dominican judicial system.
Q4. What is the Canadian government doing to help?
The family has contacted Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Embassy, and their MP. Their lawyer has also requested intervention from Canada’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic.
Q5. Has anyone been arrested in Canada in connection to this case?
The RCMP is actively investigating, and Wilcox says she was informed that an arrest has been made, though it has not been officially confirmed.
Q6. What has been the impact on the family?
The couple has incurred over $80,000 in expenses and is undergoing trauma counselling due to the emotional and financial strain.
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