Warning: This article contains disturbing details that may be triggering to readers.
The Crown is asking a Barrie judge to sentence convicted sex trafficker and Innisfil Pride founder Jake Tucker to 12 years in prison for pimping out two women between 2017 and 2021.
Tucker, 39, was convicted in April by a jury of seven of 10 sex trafficking counts following two weeks of trial.
Justice Robert Charney heard victim impact statements read to the court by loved ones of the complainants who described how their lives have been affected by Tucker’s actions.
“I hate what Jake Tucker did to my mom and my life,” said one teen, who described growing up without their mother and not having their mother in their life after being victimized by Tucker.
“She is a shell of a person,” said the sister of one of the complainants. “She is unrecognizable.” The woman called Tucker “a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” who preyed on and took advantage of her sister.
The complainants told the court that Tucker exploited them in the sex trade as part of Tucker’s escort business. The Crown argued Tucker advertised their sexual services, drove them to and from clients and drugged them when they didn’t want to work.
Crown Attorney Susan Orlando, who specializes in human trafficking and exploitation cases, told the court during Tucker’s sentencing hearing Wednesday afternoon that Tucker held a position of trust, and exercised control over the women. The Crown argued Tucker told one of the complainants to “Woman up and cry in your pillow,” when she didn’t want to see a client.
The women testified they needed the money to feed their drug habits and that Tucker was there to take the photos of their sexual services ads, arrange meetings with clients, supply them drugs, and collect the money before they got their cut.
Tucker, who founded Innisfil Pride, and has been a prominent figure in local LGBTQ2S+ events for years, twice campaigned unsuccessfully as an independent MPP candidate in Barrie-Innisfil, was acquitted of three counts of assault, sexual assault, and assault with a weapon.
The defence called complainants’ testimony in trial replete with inconsistencies that should not be relied upon by the court.
Tucker denied any wrongdoing, saying the charges were motivated by family court proceedings. Tucker’s lawyer Martin Montes asked the court to sentence Tucker to four years in prison, arguing Tucker “influenced” but did not control the women.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled to continue in January.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres’ website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy, and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
