Ontario Man Trapped in Dominican Republic Weeks After Charges Dropped

An Ontario man trapped in Dominican Republic remains unable to return home, even though the drug charges against him were dropped weeks ago. David Bennett, who was arrested at Punta Cana airport in March, is still stuck in legal limbo as his family pushes for answers. They say the wait for final court paperwork is dragging on—with no clear end in sight.

Arrest After Customs Mistake

David Bennett and his wife, Jane Wilcox, from Burlington, Ontario, had just wrapped up a vacation with friends in early March. But when they arrived at Punta Cana airport on March 7, David was pulled aside at an automated customs checkpoint. Authorities showed him a photo of a suitcase he didn’t recognize, labeled “Davi Bennett”—a slight variation from his actual name.

Despite his insistence that the bag wasn’t his, he was charged with drug trafficking. According to Wilcox, he was released on $5,000 bail. The charges have since been withdrawn with help from the family’s legal team and the RCMP.

Legal Limbo Despite Dropped Charges

Although the case has been dismissed, David Bennett remains stuck in the Dominican Republic, unable to fly back home. The holdup? Court paperwork and backlogs in the local legal system. The family was initially told to expect a 10–15 day wait for confirmation, but that timeframe has already passed with no resolution.

“Our lawyer down there is trying to get in front of a judge,” said Wilcox, “but nothing’s happening. We just feel forgotten.”

Financial and Emotional Strain Mounting

Wilcox said the family has already spent around $80,000 on legal fees and accommodations. She added that her husband’s physical and mental health is declining, and she fears for his well-being. “He’s reaching his breaking point,” she shared, after receiving a distressing message from him this week.

The couple has begun trauma counselling but admits that the emotional toll has been overwhelming.

Calls for Government Help

The family has contacted the Canadian Embassy, Global Affairs Canada, and their local MP, Karina Gould. Their lawyer has also reached out to Canada’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Jacqueline DeLima Baril, asking for immediate help.

Although the RCMP is actively investigating the case and may have made an arrest in Canada linked to the incident, the agency hasn’t confirmed any further details.

Still, Wilcox says they feel stuck in a cycle of waiting, with no end in sight.

Should the Canadian government step in more forcefully to bring David Bennett home? Share your thoughts below.

More…

• https://globalnews.ca/news/11159275/ontario-man-detained-in-dominican-republic-has-charges-dropped-but-is-still-stuck-family
• https://nationalpost.com/news/ontario-man-still-stuck-in-dominican-republic-after-charges-dropped-family
• https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/ontario-man-arrested-in-dominican-republic-still-stuck-after-charges-dropped-family/ar-AA1DZZAq 
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/person-of-interest-speaks-in-dominican-republic-tourist-case