Flesh Peddling On Craigslist

Following the indictment last month against suspected Gambino crime family members and associates which included allegations of pimping out underage teenage girls on craigslist, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has “issued a subpoena to craigslist Inc. seeking information on whether it is fulfilling its promise to crack down on ads for prostitution in its adult-services section” as reported by Chad Bray for Dow Jones Newswires:

In a statement Monday, Blumenthal said the ads have persisted despite a commitment in 2008 by the classified advertising website to crack down on those ads and he wants to know whether craigslist is profiting from those ads. “The craigslist brothel business seems booming–belying its promise to fight prostitution,” Blumenthal said. “We are asking craigslist for specific answers about steps to screen and stop sex-for-money offers–and whether the company is actually profiting from prostitution ads that it promised the states and public that it would try to block. We’re seeking answers, so we can reach legal conclusions.”

Meanwhile, law enforcement across the country continues to bust both suspected johns and prostitutes on Craigslist through undercover sting operations.  For example, in Naugatuck, CT, police “used craigslist to make a slew of prostitution arrests” as reported by Bob Connors for NBC Connecticut:

Officers posted an ad on the well-known Internet classified, and waited for people to respond. Those who responded with phone numbers were contacted and an undercover officer made arrangements to meet the suspects, according to police.  The undercover officer waited for the men to solicit a sexual act, then placed them under arrest, police said. Police charged 18 people with criminal attempt at patronizing and prostitute, including Leo Moscato, 46, who leads Derby’s parking authority. * * * In a reverse sting, undercover cops responded to craigslist ads they suspected were posted to solicit sex for money.  They arrested two women and charged them with prostitution.

Craigslist “is on track to increase its revenue 22 percent this year, largely from its controversial sex advertisements” as reported by Brad Stone for The New York Times:  “The ads, many of which blatantly advertise prostitution, are expected to bring $36 million this year, according to a new projection of Craigslist’s income.”

Related coverage:

Mafia Exploitation of Kids:  Really a New Low?