SAINT JOHN, N.B. - The mayor of Saint John, N.B., says a city councillor charged with possessing child pornography and sexual interference with a child has resigned his seat.

A statement from Mel Norton said he received a letter from Donnie Snook's lawyer on Thursday indicating the councillor was resigning.

Norton said in the one-page statement that it was the result of a "personal matter" for Snook and thanked him for dealing with the matter in a timely manner.

Norton said he notified other councillors and forwarded the letter to the Common Clerk to begin the process of filling the vacancy.

Snook is charged with eight counts, including possessing and making child pornography as well as sexual interference with a child under 16.

He was arrested at his home last week as part of an investigation that began in 2011 involving the RCMP and Saint John and Toronto police.

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