OPP launches criminal probe into Jake’s House after provincial audit
The OPP anti-rackets squad is investigating Jake’s House over provincial funding following a Treasury Board audit. The probe targets finances and contracts tied to ministry grants.
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By Torontoer Staff
The Ontario Provincial Police anti-rackets squad has opened a criminal investigation into Jake’s House after the provincial Treasury Board Secretariat referred the results of an audit to police. The probe focuses on finances and contracts linked to funding the autism services organisation received from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
The Treasury Board, according to an OPP statement, forwarded its audit findings to police in September 2025. The ministry and provincial records show Jake’s House received millions from provincial programmes, but officials have not publicly detailed which funding years or the full amount under investigation.
What the OPP says
OPP spokesperson Gosia Puzio confirmed the referral and said the investigation includes ``finances and contracts related to Jake’s House.`` The force did not provide a timeline for the probe or say whether any charges are expected.
The Treasury Board Secretariat conducted an audit and referred its findings to the OPP in September 2025.
Gosia Puzio, OPP spokesperson
How much funding is under review
Public accounts show Jake’s House received about $8.9 million across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 fiscal years from provincial programmes. An internal government database obtained by the Star indicates the organisation was also awarded $3.98 million from the Skills Development Fund in 2023 for a one-year initiative aimed at integrating young adults with autism or developmental disabilities into the workforce.
The province has not disclosed which specific grants or years are the subject of the criminal inquiry. Jake’s House did not respond to requests for comment from media at the time this article was filed.
Government response and accountability measures
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services reiterated that organisations receiving taxpayer funding must meet the terms of their agreements and be accountable for how funds are spent. The ministry said mechanisms exist to address cases where standards are not met.
The active OPP investigation into this organization demonstrates that these accountability processes are working.
Douglas Allingham, ministry spokesperson
A separate statement from the premier’s office clarified that funding from the Skills Development Fund, administered through the labour ministry, is not part of the OPP referral connected to this probe.
Related probes and political context
This is not the first time the provincial government has sent audit findings to the OPP. In December, the OPP announced a probe into Keel Digital Solutions and its subsidiary Get A-Head after a forensic audit tied to funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. That case drew attention in the legislature last fall when opposition members raised questions about award decisions and ministerial involvement.
Keel drew a public response after the police announced their investigation. The company said it would cooperate with investigators and suggested it had been targeted politically.
We welcome the OPP and will be completely transparent and co-operative. We look forward to the government’s apology at the end of this.
Keel spokesperson
What comes next
Criminal investigations can take months or longer. The OPP will review evidence from the Treasury Board audit and may seek further documents or interviews. If investigators find evidence of criminal wrongdoing, charges could follow; if not, the matter may be closed without charges.
For families and service users, the investigation does not automatically affect the availability of existing programs. Funding decisions and service delivery are generally handled separately while audits and probes proceed.
The Star requested comment from Jake’s House and has not received a reply. The OPP provided the initial statement through its media relations office, and the ministry reiterated its expectation that funded organisations comply with agreements and accountability rules.
The investigation adds to a series of provincial reviews and police referrals tied to government grants. Officials say those audits and the resulting referrals are part of standard accountability measures for public funds.
OPPJake's Houseauditautism servicesOntario government
