The founder of Innisfil Pride has been found guilty on multiple human trafficking-related charges after an Ontario jury convicted him in a case involving two women who told police they were exploited over several years. Jake Tucker was convicted on Wednesday on seven of 10 charges following a trial centered on allegations that he recruited, controlled, and profited from the women through sex work.

Prosecutors said Tucker advertised the women for sexual services, drove them to and from appointments with clients, and used drugs and violence to maintain control over them. The Crown described his conduct in court as “coercive, aggressive and violent.”

According to reporting from Juno News, the investigation began in 2022 after one woman went to police and alleged Tucker had trafficked her for years. During the investigation, officers located a second woman who made similar claims.

At trial, one of the women testified that Tucker used a taser on her when she refused to work. Prosecutors also alleged he drugged the women when they did not want to continue seeing clients.

Tucker was acquitted on three counts, including assault, sexual assault, and assault with a weapon.

Outside court after the verdict, Tucker rejected the outcome and said he was innocent. He told reporters the alleged victims were not credible and accused police of having “botched” the investigation.

His legal defense focused heavily on the women’s past substance abuse histories, arguing their testimony was unreliable. Tucker also testified during proceedings that it was “impossible” for him to have trafficked the women because he was too busy.

Tucker acknowledged operating what he described as a “swingers’ club,” but denied any connection between that activity and prostitution.

He additionally suggested the criminal proceedings were somehow tied to separate family court matters, though he gave no further explanation.

Tucker remained publicly active with Innisfil Pride after charges became public in 2022. A Facebook post from that year showed Fierté Simcoe Pride announced it would “suspend all collaborations with Innisfil Pride indefinitely” following the charges. Despite the ongoing case, social media posts and the organization’s website indicated Tucker continued serving as president. In June 2023, Innisfil Pride held a Pride flag-raising ceremony at city hall during Pride month.

Tucker also appeared at several group events as a drag performer under the name “Anita Goodickyn.”