A Saint John councillor facing child pornography charges has suddenly resigned from common council.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Mayor Mel Norton said he received a letter from Donnie Snook via his lawyer, tendering his resignation.
“This was a result of a personal matter for Councillor Snook. I thank Councillor Snook for dealing with this matter in a final and timely manner,” said Norton.
He said council has been notified, the letter has been forwarded to the common clerk, and that staff will “follow procedures regarding vacancies as outlined in the Municipalities Act.”
Norton also said the city would provide no further comment on the matter.
Coun. Bill Farren told CTV News he was surprised by Snook’s sudden resignation but said, all things considered, it was the right thing to do.
He also said Snook’s input would be missed around the council table.
Snook, 40, is facing three counts of sexual interference on a child under 16 years of age, two counts of possession of child pornography, one count of making child pornography and two counts of making child pornography available.
The charges came after police executed a search warrant at Snook’s Martha Avenue home on Jan. 9.
They seized several items, including computer equipment and children sexual abuse images, during their search. Snook was arrested at the scene.
Police say their investigation began in 2011 and involved the RCMP, Saint John Police Force, and Toronto Police Service.
Snook was first elected to Saint John Common Council in 2008, based largely on his work as a community activist in the city’s south end. He was one of only two incumbent councillors to be re-elected in the spring.
Snook remains in custody. A bail hearing is scheduled for Monday morning.
