U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, one of the co-sponsors of the bill, tweeted that the shutting down the sex classified ads website is a big step.
Today, Backpage was shutdown. It’s a huge step. Now no child will be sold for sex through this website—not in ND, the US, or around the world. Proud of the 2 yr long Senate investigation I was part of that helped lead to this point. And next week #SESTA will be signed into law. https://t.co/Wj5sT2lot0
— Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (@SenatorHeitkamp) April 6, 2018
FBI raided homes of Backpage.com co-founders
The Arizona Republic reported that the FBI raided the homes of Backpage.com co-founders Michael Lacey and Jim Larkin. Both men are facing charges of conspiracy to obtain profits from prostitution through classified ads.
Senator John McCain’s wife, Cindy told the media outlet that authorities raided Lacey’s home and all the offices of Backpage.com worldwide. Mrs. McCain is a vocal advocate against human trafficking. According to her, “They’ve confiscated everything and shut the website down.”
