Massachusetts Cops Cuff 50 Folks in Craigslist Prostitution Sting
This is only the latest in a recent rash of news stories related to the racy Craigslist section. The questionably regulated forum is commonly used to seek anonymous sex, although some take it even further towards prostitution. Friday, the New York Times published an exposé of the site and, last week, Boston police reported that an at-large homicide suspect had attracted his two victims to area hotels by using the Craigslist. While the Worcester police had hoped that their sting would nab the "person of interest" from the Boston incidents, they were unsuccessful.
According to the Times, 'Casual Encounters' has become the online hotbed for prostitutes and their johns ever since Craigslist -- in an attempt to purge prostitution listings from the site -- began requiring phone verification and credit card authorization of all posters to its separate 'Erotic Services' section. Apparently, as the site reported a 90-percent drop in 'Erotic Services' listings, the pimps and prostitutes scurried over to 'Casual Encounters' instead.
Since 'Casual Encounters' is clearly intended for (and largely used by) adults pursuing free, consensual sex, Craigslist administrators are unable to use such prohibitive measures to moderate the community. And while Craigslist could do away with the section altogether, we don't think it should be required to do so -- although the morality underlying the section's intended purpose may be suspect, its legality is not.
Truth be told, we don't foresee an end to this cyber-soliciting. We'd rather see a sort of 'smack-the-gopher game,' in which Web-savvy prostitutes make their way from one site to another as administrators deal with infractions on a case-by-case basis. Regardless of how innovative and powerful the technologies of anti-prostitution authorities become, the fact remains that their target will continue to be the world's oldest profession. [From: The New York Times and Telegram Via: Fark.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rocky said 2:23AM on 4-21-2009
"the sting's success was largely contingent on Craigslist's 'Casual Encounters' section, where police had posted false solicitations and offers of prostitution."
Sounds like entrapment to me.
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Tim said 8:07AM on 4-21-2009
Glad that solved the prostitution "crisis". I'll sleep more soundly tonight. Wheew!
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nickerson said 9:23AM on 4-21-2009
Did they get Barney Franks???
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shirtz1 said 1:01PM on 4-21-2009
Nahh, the ad stated women, so ol' Barney missed it...
LT said 9:55AM on 4-21-2009
Legalize it, you pay for it any way one way or another....IE Dinner, movies,drinks, etc
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Lubak3 said 4:23AM on 4-24-2009
I agree ! Legalize it! Put Richard Blumenthal in charge!(lol)I think that would eliminate abusive pimps and Johns from beating up on women,and the women could be assured of disease free men and visa- versa. Maybe it's time to legalize it! It sure isn't working well the way it is now. And this way,Goverments would make money on it , too!! (Less taxes for the rest of us). People of Mass. it's up to you! It's your tax dollars that will pay to bring these people to court.Your tax dollars to pay for Police work and overtime. Wouldn't you prefer to make money not lose it?? I think every Pimp, John and Hooker should have to get photo IDS issued by the state.Pimps and Hookers should be licensed by the state. Johns should have to take blood tests to be sure they don't carry diseases such as AIDS(so they don't infect their wives or girlfriends!!) Yup! Sounds good to me!! They should be checked for weapons too!! Safety of these girls is top priority!!