The founder of a local Pride organization based in the town of Innisfil, Canada, appeared in court this week facing charges relating to the alleged sex trafficking of two women in 2021. Jake Tucker is said to have pimped two Barrie women over six-year period ending in 2021, while other charges against him include sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, and assault.
According to a report from local outlet Innisfil Today, Tucker faces a total of 10 counts against two victims. Crown attorney Susan Orlando described to the court how Tucker groomed the women by forming a friendship with them and convincing them to enter the sex trade for him, while he slowly began to exercise more control over their lives.
Specific details regarding the nature of the charges have been withheld due to a publication ban out of concern for the safety of the victims. However, the case against Tucker alleges that he coerced the women into an “overwhelming commitment to service customers” as he gradually began to pocket an increasing portion of their earnings.
While the offenses are said to have occurred in 2021, and court proceedings began just this week, another Pride organization appears to have been aware of the charges against Tucker as early as 2022.
According to a Facebook post from that summer, Fierté Simcoe Pride decided to “suspend all collaborations with Innisfil Pride indefinitely,” while acknowledging Tucker’s organization was continuing to host social events.
However, social media posts made by Innisfil Pride reveal that Tucker continued to serve as the president while hosting public events. During Pride month in June 2023, the group hosted the town’s Pride flag-raising ceremony at the local City Hall. Other events described on its website are advertised as being for “all ages.”
“This a great step forward in recognizing the Town’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and will clearly demonstrate all people are welcome,” said Mayor Lynn Dollin during the event.
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 appears to have 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.
In 2018 and 2022, Tucker stood as a candidate in Ontario’s provincial elections, both times running in the district of Barrie—Innisfil. In 2018, he represented the Canadians’ Choice Party, a minor right-wing party noted for having multiple candidates vocally supportive of the neo-Nazi movement in Canada. In 2022, Tucker switched parties to represent the Ontario People’s Front, another right-wing party formed in opposition to COVID-19 vaccination requirements. According to Elections Ontario, Tucker received 184 votes in 2018 and 119 votes in 2022.
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