A well-known Canadian LGBT Pride organizer has been convicted on seven counts of sex trafficking.
Following the jury’s decision, Jake Tucker, founder of Innisfil Pride, continues to deny the charges, arguing that the accusers lack credibility and that police mishandled the investigation.
Although details of the alleged offenses were previously restricted during legal proceedings, newly released information from the case reveals a troubling and more comprehensive account.
According to Juno News, the allegations against Tucker first surfaced in 2022 when one woman came forward to police alleging she had been sex trafficked by Tucker for years.Police then located another victim who similarly revealed she had been subjected to sex trafficking by Tucker, according to Juno News,
Reddux reports: In court, the Crown argued that Tucker advertised the women for sexual services, drove them to and from “client appointments,” and drugged them when they did not want to work. One woman told the court Tucker used a taser on her to force her into compliance. Prosecutors described his actions as “coercive, aggressive and violent.”
Tucker’s defense included accusing the women of lying and being unreliable due to their past substance abuse. He also claimed that it was “impossible” that he had pimped the women, claiming that he would have been too busy to have the time.
On Wednesday, a jury found Tucker guilty on seven of the ten human trafficking and assault charges he had been facing. Tucker was acquitted on three counts of assault, sexual assault, and assault with a weapon.
While speaking to press outside the court house, Tucker admitted to having run a “swingers’ club” but denied it being related to prostitution.
Tucker also alleged that the criminal charges filed against him were motivated by separate issues in family court, but did not offer clarification on what those “issues” may involve.
Tucker is married to a man, and purchased a baby girl via a surrogacy contract with his partner. Tucker has made several social media posts depicting the little girl, beginning in 2018 when he celebrated Father’s Day.
Tucker was the founder of Innisfil Pride, and was very active in the LGBTQ+ activist community in Ontario.
The Innisfil Pride website describes itself as a resource for learning about LGBTQ+ “allies and activists.” “Pride is about coming together as a community to celebrate the freedom to be yourself, to uplift and honour 2SLGBTQ+ activism, and to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights,” reads the site.
“Here you can celebrate some local talent, learn about the allies and activists in your community, as well as a listing of free local events and resources available to you through your local library.”
Disturbingly, Tucker continued to be an active representative of Innisfil Pride even after criminal investigations first began against him in 2022.