Rise and Thrive Director Granted Bail on Fraud, Drug Charges

Pete Fisher
3 hours ago
• Categories: Local

A Hamilton Township woman charged with multiple fraud and drug-related offences has been released on bail following a hearing in Cobourg court.

Cayla Snetsinger, 33, appeared before Justice of the Peace Jack LeBlanc on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Cobourg courthouse after being charged following a joint investigation by Cobourg and Port Hope police.

Snetsinger faces a number of charges including two counts of fraud over $5,000, trafficking in a Schedule I substance contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, obstruct justice, forgery, possession of cocaine, possession of a Schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking, and two counts of failing to comply with probation.

Police allege the offences occurred while Snetsinger was serving as director of Rise and Thrive Support Services, an organization that provides support services to vulnerable individuals in Northumberland County.

During the bail hearing, the court heard Snetsinger was currently on probation stemming from a conviction in Durham Region for theft under $5,000.

Justice of the Peace LeBlanc questioned Snetsinger’s mother, who was proposed as a surety, about whether her daughter was qualified to operate Rise and Thrive Support Services, which offers specialized support services for youth, adults and families with a focus on developmental disabilities, mental health and trauma-informed care.

Snetsinger’s mother told the court she was aware her daughter was attempting to help people.

“So she’s running a business, but she’s not qualified to do this and you were aware of this — didn’t you find that odd?” Le Blanc asked.

“You’re taking this on blind faith that she was qualified to do these things. So I take it there is no more blind faith?”

“There is not,” her mother responded.

During submissions, the Crown argued the allegations were serious and suggested the accused was targeting vulnerable members of the community.

“If the allegations are true, she is preying on the most vulnerable population in the community,” the Crown told the court.

The Crown further submitted the administration of justice could be brought into disrepute if Snetsinger were released, citing what it described as a continued pattern of similar behaviour.

In his decision, LeBlanc said the court must be guided by the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“Any person that is charged with an offence is innocent until proven guilty according to law and they are not to be denied bail without just cause,” he said.

“In the Charter of Rights and Freedoms it calls on this court to consider pretrial release as the norm rather than the exception.”

LeBlanc described the Crown’s case as “strong,” but noted a bail hearing is not meant to determine guilt or innocence.

“The bail hearing is not a trier of fact on the allegations. It is merely to determine if the accused may be released on pretrial custody,” he said.

Snetsinger was released on a $15,000 surety to her parents under strict conditions.

She must reside with her parents each night in a weapons-free home, notify police of any change of address and remain in the residence except for medical emergencies involving herself or an immediate family member.

She is also prohibited from possessing firearms, acting in a position of trust or authority over another person’s finances, or obtaining employment or volunteer work with any social service organization.

Snetsinger must also participate in counseling as directed by her sureties.

The matter will return to court on June 3, courtroom 4 at 9 a.m.