Backpage co-founder sentenced to 5 years in jail

Michael Lacey, a founding father of the defunct categorized web site Backpage.com, obtained a five-year jail sentence on Wednesday and was fined $3 million. Lacey was discovered responsible of cash laundering final 12 months in a sweeping case that alleged Backpage executives promoted and profited from prostitution. 

Lacey was convicted on a single rely of worldwide concealment cash laundering in November 2023 however was acquitted of fifty different costs associated to prostitution facilitation and cash laundering because of inadequate proof. He nonetheless faces about 30 associated costs, in response to the Related Press. Two different Backpage executives — former chief monetary officer John Brunst and govt vp Scott Spear — obtained 10-year jail sentences on Wednesday after being convicted of cash laundering and prostitution facilitation final 12 months.

“The defendants and their conspirators obtained greater than $500 million from working an internet discussion board that facilitated the sexual exploitation of numerous victims,” stated Principal Deputy Assistant Legal professional Basic Nicole M. Argentieri in a Division of Justice press launch. “The defendants thought they might cover their illicit proceeds by laundering the funds via shell firms in overseas nations. However they have been fallacious.”