COOK COUNTY, IL – Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart commended the U.S. District Court’s decision to sentence Michael Lacey, a former Backpage owner, to five years in federal prison for money laundering tied to sex trafficking on the website.
“This is a clear warning to those who believe they can profit off illegal sex trafficking and get away with it,” Sheriff Dart said. “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.”
U.S. District Court Judge Diane Humetewa sentenced Lacey on one count of money laundering for his role in operating Backpage, a notorious online marketplace that facilitated the exploitation and trafficking of countless of victims. He was also fined $3 million. Additionally, former Backpage executives John Brunst and Scott Spear were sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for their convictions on money laundering and conspiracy to facilitate prostitution through Backpage ads.
Sheriff Dart has been at the forefront in the battle against online human trafficking for more than a decade and has played a pivotal role in the campaign to shut down Backpage. As early as 2009, Sheriff Dart recognized the growing threat of online classified advertisements for illegal prostitution and human trafficking. That online threat first permeated the internet via Craigslist and later migrated to other websites, including Backpage. While under pressure from Sheriff Dart and others, Craigslist shut down its erotic services section.
Sheriff Dart’s efforts culminated in 2018, when federal authorities seized Backpage and indicted its founders, including Lacey, on numerous charges related to facilitating prostitution and money laundering. Sheriff Dart’s work was instrumental in helping to build the case that ultimately led to the website’s shutdown and the convictions of its owners.
Sheriff Dart has been a vocal advocate for the victims and survivors of human trafficking and has led numerous initiatives aimed at disrupting the networks that perpetuate this modern-day slavery. He has worked tirelessly to implement policies and practices that focus on the protection of victims and prosecution of those who exploit them.
“This is a victory not just for law enforcement, but for every victim harmed by the cruel and inhumane practices of Backpage,” Sheriff Dart said. “As long as there are people who believe they can profit from the suffering of others, our work will never be done.”
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