Innisfil Pride founder facing allegations of serious sexual offences
Jake Tucker founded Innisfil Pride and ran as an independent candidate for Barrie-Innisfil in the provincial election, and now Tucker is facing allegations of serious sexual offences.
Police arrested Tucker in Barrie in April for offences that allegedly happened between 2017 and 2021, including exploitation, profiting from sexual services, trafficking an individual, and assault.
"I've known Jake professionally for some time, and he is an upstanding citizen. These charges are false. They are completely false," said Tucker's defence lawyer Matthew Giesinger from inside his Bradford Street office in Barrie on Wednesday.
"Jake is very concerned about the charges, but at this stage, the only comment I can make is that he strenuously denies the allegations. There's absolutely no truth to them," Giesinger said.
The identity of the complainant is protected under a publication ban. Now Tucker's lawyer is seeking a publication ban for his client.
"Unfortunately, due to the publicity that these charges have brought, Jake Tucker has been experiencing fear in the community, and as such, he is seeking a common law publication band to cover himself so that no future information about these charges will be made public," the defence lawyer said.
According to court documents, the 35-year-old is accused of exploiting and exercising control, direction or influence over the movement of the complainant while financially benefitting from the alleged trafficking.
The matter returns to court later this month.
The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.