Johnville man facing more jail time
Ryan Troy O’Donnell, 27, of Johnville, will appear in provincial court in custody via video on May 28 at 9:30 a.m. for a decision on his sentence on four property charges laid by the RCMP.
O’Donnell pleaded guilty to breaking into a government garage, theft of a government-owned half-ton truck, cement roller and utility trailer on June 2, 2025, in Glassville. Another charge of mischief, causing property damage to the building, was withdrawn by the Crown.
Crown Prosecutor Sean Corscadden recommended O’Donnell be sentenced to 30 months in jail, minus 237 days for time served, as well as two years of probation. The Crown lawyer said O’Donnell should also seek counselling and treatment for drug abuse.
Defence Counsel Alex Carleton asked that O’Donnell receive only 18 months in jail, minus time served. The accused had a lengthy prior criminal record.
Judge Rose Campbell reserved his decision until May 28.
Attempted murder trial
Destiny Dawn Innis, 23, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on May 12 for a monitoring hearing about her charge of attempted murder.
She elected trial by judge alone at the Court of King’s Bench and will return on June 23 at 9:30 a.m. to determine when her file can be transferred to the higher court. The Crown is still working out how many expert witnesses will be called at her trial. Her trial date will be set on the next Motion Day at King’s Bench.
Innis was charged by Woodstock Police following a violent altercation at a downtown residence on Oct. 20, 2025, when a 74-year-old woman was assaulted and stabbed in her home.
Following a bail hearing, Innis was released from custody under house arrest at a residence at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation). She has no prior criminal record.
The victim was transported to the Upper River Valley Hospital and later transferred to the Saint John Regional Hospital with serious injuries. Woodstock Police, the Woodstock Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick were called to her home on Houlton Street around 9 p.m.
Conditional sentence imposed
Nicholas Adam Cullins, 43, of Ashland, appeared in provincial court for sentencing on May 12 after changing his plea to guilty on a break and enter charge laid by Woodstock Police. He was handed a six-month conditional sentence order, during which time he must follow a curfew.
Cullins was charged with breaking and entering and theft at a storage facility on Popular Street in Woodstock on March 15, 2023. The court heard that an ATV was stolen from the premises, but it was recovered by the police shortly thereafter. Cullins had a dated prior criminal record from Alberta.
Sentencing for assault
Donald Nason, 63, of Hartland, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on July 21 at 1:30 p.m. after changing his plea to guilty on an assault charge laid by the RCMP. His sentencing date was set for May 12, but that was adjourned to the new date at the defence’s request.
Nason was charged with assault by choking involving a female victim concerning an incident on Jan. 2, 2025, in Hartland. He pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault.
Multiple trial dates
Vinal Todd Hatto, 40, of Pokiok, appeared in provincial court on May 12 for a monitoring hearing to confirm his trial dates on several charges laid by Woodstock Police.
Hatto was charged with arson, dangerous driving, two counts of breaching a release order and driving while prohibited concerning an incident on Sept. 5, 2025, in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for Nov. 30 at 9:30 a.m.
He appeared in provincial court in custody via video on Feb. 3 for a bail decision and was released on conditions, including house arrest and the requirement to wear an ankle monitor.
He is also facing other charges of obstructing Woodstock Police and possession of stolen inspection stickers in connection with an incident on May 16, 2025. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for Nov. 25 at 9:30 a.m.
He will also stand trial on seven drug trafficking charges laid by Woodstock Police. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for Nov. 26-27 at 9:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, the court heard the Crown was still reviewing cell phone evidence, which should be disclosed to the defence in about a month.
Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul said she intended to file a Charter challenge before the trial regarding a search of a backpack.
Hatto was charged with possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, fentanyl, oxcontyin, hydromorphone, and methylphenidate, all for the purpose of trafficking on May 28, 2025, in Lower Woodstock.
In September 2025, Hatto was released from custody with conditions to a rehab facility in Moncton after being sentenced to time served on other separate charges.
45-day conditional sentence
Christian Karnes-McQuade, 24, of Richmond Corner, appeared in provincial court on May 12 for sentencing after pleading guilty to breaching an undertaking (no contact).
He was handed a 45-day conditional sentence order, including 20 days of house arrest and a 25-day curfew. Karnes-McQuade was arrested on March 27 and was released with conditions following a bail hearing. He had no prior criminal record.
Fredericton man remanded
Blake Evan Donald Wilson, 33, of Fredericton, appeared in provincial court in custody via video on May 12 to answer multiple charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until May 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Wilson was charged with break and entering at Canadian Tire, mischief causing property damage to a fence, and breach of a release order (no contact) on March 23 in Woodstock. He was also charged with fraudulent impersonation, resisting arrest, and breach of a release order (no contact) for another incident on March 22 in Woodstock. The court heard Wilson is also facing more charges in Fredericton. A resolution is being sought with the Crown.
Trial dates moved up
Cameron James Clark, 25, of Mapledale, appeared in provincial court in custody via video on May 12 after being arrested for allegedly breaching his release order. He returns to court in custody for plea on May 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Clark also has other charges set for trial. The court heard his trial dates had to be moved up because he was in custody.
He pleaded not guilty to breach of probation, resisting arrest, uttering threats, stalking a female victim, breaking into a dwelling house, assault with a weapon, assaulting another man, and mischief, causing property damage to a door on Sept. 17, 2025, at Mapledale. His trial date was moved up to Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m.
He was also charged with stalking a female victim, dangerous driving and breach of probation on Sept. 19, 2025, in Mapledale; and breaching a release order on Oct. 21, 2025, in Woodstock. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainants. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was moved up to Aug. 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Clark appeared in provincial court in custody by video in November for a bail hearing after being arrested for breaching his release order (ankle bracelet). He was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing another electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but returned to custody.
Windsor man charged
Dwight Thornton, 71, of Windsor, appeared in provincial court on May 12 for a monitoring hearing after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by the RCMP. His trial date was confirmed for Feb. 5, 2027, at 9:30 a.m.
Thornton was charged with assault involving a female victim and uttering threats concerning an incident on Nov. 22, 2025, at Windsor. He told the court he had legal counsel to proceed to trial.
Trial for assault
Tristan Alexander Calhoun, 38, of Woodstock, will appear for trial in provincial court on July 31 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to assault.
Calhoun was charged by Woodstock Police with assaulting a woman, stemming from an incident between March 31 and Oct. 30, 2024, in Woodstock.
He also pleaded not guilty to another charge of breaching a no-contact order, and his trial was scheduled for May 8, 2027, at 9:30 a.m.
Trial in January
Leon McGraw, 62, of Hartin Settlement, appeared in provincial court on May 12 for a monitoring hearing about his trial. He pleaded not guilty to an assault charge dating back to 2022, and his trial was set for Jan. 4, 2027, at 9:30 a.m.
McGraw appeared in provincial court in December via teleconference while in custody and was released on conditions. He was charged with assaulting another man on April 1, 2022, in Canterbury.
Alleged assault at Neqotkuk
Brydon Nicholas, 20, of Perth-Andover, will appear for trial in provincial court on May 24, 2027, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to an assault charge.
Nicholas was charged by the RCMP stemming from an incident on Nov. 1, 2025, at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation). He appeared in court on May 12 for a monitoring hearing and confirmed he had legal counsel. The court heard that a resolution is being sought with the Crown.
Upper Kent pair charged with child abuse
Two individuals from Upper Kent are facing charges of child abuse laid by the RCMP.
Kathy Ruest-Sooley, 30, and Ricky Sooley, 65, both face eight charges, including unlawful abandonment, failing to provide the necessities of life, criminal negligence, assault, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance and unlawful confinement. The charges were laid in connection with a series of incidents between Sept. 1, 2024 and Sept. 19, 2025.
Kathy Ruest-Sooley pleaded not guilty to the charges on May 12 and elected trial by judge alone at the Court of King’s Bench. A monitoring hearing was booked for June 23 at 9:30 a.m. to determine when her file will be transferred to the higher court. Ricky Sooley will enter a plea in provincial court on May 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Charged with public mischief
Julie Anne James, 38, of Debec, will appear for trial in provincial court on May 27, 2027, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by the RCMP.
James was charged with two counts of public mischief by misleading police in connection with incidents on Oct. 19, 2025, and Sept. 28, 2025. She entered her not-guilty plea on May 12.
Charged with theft
Rachel Sockabasin, 40, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on May 12 to answer a theft charge laid by Woodstock Police.
Sockabasin was charged with shoplifting at the Walmart on Dec. 27, 2025. The matter was adjourned for plea until May 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Group charged in same incident
Three men from Upper Kent have been charged in the same incident involving an alleged altercation with another man.
Everett Hartley, 42, Dawson Grant, 18, and Connor Grant, 20, were charged by the RCMP following an incident on Nov. 30, 2025, at Upper Kent.
Hartley was charged with assault and mischief, causing property damage to a vehicle. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for May 20, 2027, at 9:30 a.m.
Connor Grant was charged with assault, possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence (a baseball bat), and mischief causing property damage to a vehicle. He will enter a plea on May 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Dawson Grant was charged with mischief, causing property damage to a vehicle. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for June 17-18, 2027, at 9:30 a.m.
Flight from police
Travis Delong, 44, of Williamstown, will appear in provincial court on June 9 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one charge laid by the RCMP.
Delong was charged with failing to stop for police in connection with an incident on Feb. 4 at Florenceville-Bristol. He made his first court appearance on May 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Charged with impaired
Paul Arthur Crabbe, 62, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on June 2 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an impaired driving charge laid by Woodstock Police.
Crabbe was charged following an incident in Woodstock on Dec. 10, 2025. Defence Counsel Peter Crocco appeared in court on May 11 on behalf of the accused when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Sentencing adjourned
Brycen Trae Stewart, 28, of Lakeville, appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on May 11 after changing his plea to guilty on multiple charges. His sentencing was adjourned until June 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Stewart was charged by Woodstock Police with breaching his release order stemming from incidents in Woodstock on Dec. 4 and Dec. 7, 2025. He was denied bail and remanded. On March 12, he pleaded guilty.
Stewart also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, flight from police and breaching his curfew on Dec. 16, 2024, in Woodstock. He also pleaded guilty to breaching a no-contact order in Woodstock on Jan. 13, 2025. The charges were laid by Woodstock Police.
Stewart also pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching his release order (curfew) concerning incidents on Sept. 24 and Oct. 8, 2024, in Woodstock. He was charged by the RCMP with breaking into a dwelling house on May 25, 2024, in Killoween and possession of a stolen vehicle on Aug. 4, 2023, in Lakeville. He pleaded guilty on March 12.
Trial date confirmed
Dustin Arthur Hawksley, 29, of Greenfield, will appear for trial in provincial court on June 1 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police. A monitoring date was also set for May 12, but he did not appear.
Hawksley was charged with assault involving a female victim and breach of a peace bond following an incident on Jan. 11 in Woodstock. He was released on an undertaking to have no contact with the complainant.
Arrested in Fredericton
Corey Andrew Lane, 40, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody via video on May 12 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police.
At the accused’s request, the matter was to be transferred to Fredericton for plea. A monitoring hearing was scheduled for July 21 at 1:30 p.m. in Woodstock to confirm his charges had been transferred.
Lane was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it, unauthorized possession of a firearm, break and enter, and failing to appear in court. He waived his bail until later. The court heard he was also arrested on other charges in Fredericton.
Arrest warrant issued
The court issued an arrest warrant for Tracy Jean Taylor, 43, of Newbridge, after she failed to appear in provincial court on May 12 for plea on three charges.
Taylor was charged by the RCMP with assault involving a female victim on July 22, 2025, at Newbridge, failing to appear in court on Jan. 13, and breach of probation by failing to report between March 31 and April 22, 2025.
Warrant on file
A warrant was held on file for Elizabeth Alice Davidson, 55, of Nackawic, after she failed to appear in provincial court on May 12 to set a trial date.
Davidson was charged by Woodstock Police with breach of probation and mischief causing property damage on May 26, 2025, at the Valley Food Bank on Houlton Road. She pleaded not guilty.
Facing more charges
Zachery Don Brooks, 21, of Lower Brighton, will appear in provincial court on May 19 at 9:30 a.m. to set a date for his trial on six more charges laid by the RCMP.
He was charged with breaching a no-contact order, uttering threats, assault involving a female victim, assault with a weapon (a broom and a board), assault by choking and mischief causing property damage to a cell phone on Oct. 28, 2025, at Lower Brighton. He pleaded not guilty, and a monitoring hearing was held on April 14.
Brooks appeared in provincial court on Jan. 6 for a monitoring hearing about his multiple trials on 20 other charges. He pleaded not guilty, and trial dates were set for May 13 at 9:30 a.m., June 24 at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m., and Aug. 24 at 9:30 a.m. He told the court he had no legal counsel at any of his trials.
Brooks was charged by RCMP with five counts of assault involving a female victim, four counts of assault by choking, three counts of unlawful confinement, two counts of uttering threats, assault with a weapon (a phone cord), assault while threatening to use a weapon (a knife), possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, mischief causing damage to a cell phone, and two counts of breaching a release order (no contact).
The charges were laid in connection with a series of incidents on Nov. 24, 2024, Feb. 12, Feb. 17, May 28, June 9, June 10 and June 11, 2025, in Lower Brighton; on June 3 and June 5, 2025, in Hartland, and on Feb. 19, 2025, in Woodstock.
Awaiting plea
Morgan Clark, 24, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on June 2 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges laid by Woodstock Police.
Clark was charged with forcible entry and mischief, causing property damage on Sept. 22, 2025, in Upper Woodstock. She was scheduled to enter a plea on May 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Fined for impaired
John Douglas Haddad, 34, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court on May 12 and pleaded guilty to an impaired driving charge laid by Woodstock Police.
He was fined $3,000 and was prohibited from driving for one year. Haddad was charged in connection with an incident on Jan. 16 in Woodstock.
