Darrell Erwin Ackman, a Winnipeg man who posted online videos under the moniker "MrJetzTV," is on trial for allegedly running a prostitution ring with underage girls.

Darrell Erwin Ackman is shown in a mugshot. His trial in Winnipeg got underway this week. (Lee County Sheriff's Office) Ackman, 46, was arrested in July 2012 and has since been charged with 17 offences, including living off the avails of prostitution, making and publishing child pornography and sexual assault.

He appeared in court Tuesday, dressed in grey sweatsuit and accompanied by a sheriff, to represent himself before a judge and a dozen jurors.

The court heard from two Winnipeg police officers who arrested Ackman at the Victoria Inn on Wellington Avenue on July 23, 2012.

A Winnipeg police detective involved in surveillance of Ackman said phone numbers in online escort ads led police to him.

Ackman spent most of Tuesday morning asking the judge to pull the videotape of his 2012 arrest "for the jury to get a clear picture" of his demeanour that day, adding "on CSI Miami the evidence doesn't lie."

The judge agreed to show the video to jurors in the afternoon.

Ackman has pleaded not guilty to all 17 charges, which involve eight alleged victims age 14 to 22.

Crown attorney Jennifer Mann said court will hear about those victims, including two who have since died.

Ackman ran an unsuccessful campaign to become the MLA for Winnipeg's Fort Whyte riding in 2013.