A 17-year-old girl is finally safe after police arrested her abusive father on Tuesday night, following months of covert planning with a trusted teacher and a dedicated community officer.
Mara Jensen, who is five months pregnant, had reportedly endured years of controlling and violent behaviour from her father, Caleb Jensen, 48. According to investigators, Mara had repeatedly tried to seek help, but her father consistently intercepted attempts by monitoring her phone and restricting her from leaving the house alone.
Everything changed when a new guidance counsellor at her school noticed bruises Mara tried to hide under long sleeves. Instead of confronting her directly in front of others, the counsellor slipped a note into Mara’s book asking if she felt safe at home — a moment Mara later described as “the first time someone really saw me.”
With the support of the counsellor and a community police officer, Mara was able to use a borrowed phone to record several conversations in which her father admitted to threatening her and restricting her access to medical care.
Police acted quickly.
On Tuesday evening, officers arrived at the Jensen home under the pretext of a welfare check. When confronted with the audio evidence, Caleb reportedly tried to deny everything before attempting to stop officers from entering the property.
He was arrested on the spot for domestic abuse, coercive control, and child endangerment.
Mara was taken to a safe shelter and later reunited with her mother’s sister, who had been searching for her for months after losing contact due to Caleb’s isolation tactics. She is now receiving prenatal care, counselling, and legal protection.
Detective Sarah Lockley said the arrest was “a result of courage — plain and simple.”
“Victims in situations like this are often terrified to speak,” Lockley said. “Mara’s bravery, especially while pregnant, is extraordinary. She deserves every bit of safety and support she’s finally getting.”
Mara is now attending school online and preparing for the baby’s arrival. When asked how she feels about the future, she said only one thing:
“Hopeful. Really hopeful.”
