Co-founder of sex trafficking website Backpage sentenced [Video]

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart has been a vocal advocate for the victims and survivors of human trafficking for more than a decade and applauded the judge’s decision this week to sentence Michael Lacy to five years in prison for money laundering tied to the classified advertising website Backpage.

“This is a clear warning to those who believe they can profit off illegal sex trafficking and get away with it,” Sheriff Dart said in a released statement.

“For too long, Lacey and his associates hid behind technology and the falsehood that the First Amendment protected Backpage’s illegal activities, all the while profiting off the pain and suffering of the most vulnerable among us.”

The case stemmed from allegations that the site knowingly facilitated prostitution through its online ads.

Lacy was also fined $3 million alongside two other Backpage executives receiving ten year prison sentences.

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