Ward 3 Common Councillor Donnie Snook is now facing 3 counts of sexual interference on a child under 16, 2 counts of possession of child pornography, 1 count of making child pornography, and 2 counts of making child pornography available. Snook–renowned for his work with youth in the city’s priority neighborhoods– was flushed and appeared slightly disheveled, but otherwise showed no emotion when asked if the charges were understood.
40-year-old Snook was taken into custody yesterday by the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit and a search warrant was executed. During that search, police seized computer equipment and child sexual abuse images. Snook has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing on January 14.
In a release, the Mounties say the investigation involves the RCMP, Saint John Police Force and Toronto Police Service and dates back to 2011.
In a release from the Diocese of Fredericton, Archbishop Claude Miller says they were shocked and concerned to learn about the recent arrest of Donnie Snook, who is the Executive Director of the Saint John Inner City Youth Ministry. Archbishop Miller assures the authorities they will cooperate fully in their investigation.
Snook’s Facebook page describes him as the director of a Saint John nonprofit organization for the past 13 years. He is especially known for his work with the popular youth programs Kids Zone and the Chicken Noodle Club hot lunch programs as well as numerous other community organizations.
The City releasing a statement of behalf of the Mayor saying in light of the charges Councillor Snook is entitled to hold office under the provisions of the municipalities act until there is a violation.
It goes on to say it’s a personal matter for Snook and a matter for the courts and they will not be commenting on it. For more info, click here
