Blumenthal
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - A 39-state coalition wants to know if classified advertisement Web site craigslist is combatting prostitution ads.
The coalition is being led by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who says prostitution ads are still making it online despite a promise from craigslist that it would take them off.
"The craigslist brothel business seems booming -- belying its promise to fight prostitution," Blumenthal said.
"The best evidence is thousands of ads that remain on craigslist -- skimpily and slickly disguised with code words."
Blumenthal issued a subpoena to craigslist Monday, seeking documents describing the company's "manual review process" that employees use to review potentially objecctionable ads.
He also wants information about each ad that was eliminated and communications with law enforcement regarding ads involving suspected illegal activity.
Blumenthal thinks craigslist might be earning $36.3 million or more from adult and possibly illegal ads.
"Even if craigslist only provides a host site for the ads, it should be held accountable," Blumenthal said.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.