CAYUGA—Criminal charges against Cayuga resident Jesse Little were stayed in the Cayuga courthouse on Thursday, October 2, 2025, following a request by the Crown, bringing a halt to proceedings that were scheduled to go to trial in November.
Assistant Crown Attorney Michael Lucifora told the court he was directing a stay of proceedings, explaining that the case was “no longer in the public interest.”
Justice Brett Moodie accepted the request, formally confirming that the stay had been entered and that all associated restrictions were lifted.
The charges against Little stemmed from incidents during his 2024 interactions with Haldimand County staff. They included two counts of public mischief and allegations related to trespassing at the County Administration Building in Cayuga.
The case had drawn local attention due to Little’s repeated claims that his arrests were politically motivated and targeted.
The decision means that the charges remain on record but will not move forward to trial.
In Canadian law, when a charge is “stayed,” prosecution is paused indefinitely – essentially halted but not dismissed. The Crown has up to one year to reactivate the case if it chooses, though most stays are effectively the end of proceedings.
A stay differs from a withdrawal, in which charges are completely dropped and cannot be reinstated. When asked, Lucifora confirmed that the charges were being stayed and not withdrawn.
Little, representing himself in court, raised concerns about confirming the removal of restrictions tied to his release conditions and ensuring he had proof of the stay.
“For my own security of person,” he said, “I’d like something tangible showing the proceedings have been stayed.”
Justice Moodie explained that the clerk’s endorsement on the information document legally confirmed the stay.
“The clerk of the court is going to endorse the information,” the judge said, noting the stay is now a matter of public record. “The proceedings are halted and any underlying bail orders are no longer enforced.”
Little thanked the court, expressing relief that the decision was made clearly on record.
The hearing concluded shortly thereafter. With the Crown’s stay now entered, all release conditions tied to the case – including previous no-contact orders and location restrictions – are lifted. Unless the Crown reopens the case within 12 months, the charges will remain stayed permanently.
Justice Moodie concluded to Little in court, “You’re free to go. There are no restrictions on you.”
