Craigslist and Ebay CEO's Put On Notice
The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation has put Craigslist and Ebay Chief Executive Officers on notice, via Certified U.S. Mail, about the "Erotic Services" section of Craigslist Aiding and Abetting Prostitution. This section facilitates prostitution and also involves interstate and foreign commerce to promote prostitution.
Craigslist maintains the 'flagging system' for community moderating designed to 'flag' any objectionable, illegal, or that otherwise violate Craigslist Terms of Service to be adequate. However, MBI Agents have found the 'flagging system' to be ineffective in stopping prostitution.
MBI encourages community leaders and citizens to write the CEO's of Craigslist and Ebay and express their concerns of the proliferation of prostitution and the many crimes that lead to and that are a direct result of this most degrading crime.
MBI correspondence and other documents related to this investigation are below.
- MBI correspondence to Kirk Kirkconnel Esq., Legal Counsel for Craigslist, and copied to CEO Jim Buckmaster, dated March 13, 2008
- MBI correspondence to Craigslist CEO, Jim Buckmaster, dated January 10, 2008
- Edward Wes, Legal Counsel for Craigslist, correspondence to MBI dated November 28, 2007
- MBI correspondence to Criagslist CEO, Jim Buckmaster, dated November 20, 2007
- MBI correspondence to Craigslist dated September 28, 2007
Orlando Weekly "Does the Right Thing"
The Orlando Weekly, Inc. entered into a Settlement Agreement with the State Attorney's Office and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) to dismiss all charges against the corporation for aiding and abetting prostitution. In addition, the employees charged with similar crimes were entered a pre-trial diversion program which will require 100 hours of Community Service.
The investigation spanned almost two years, but only involved about eight hours to gather undercover evidence; which included twenty four visits to place prostitution advertisements and five phone calls. A Grand Jury found there was sufficient evidence to indict the corporation, along with several employees, for aiding and abetting prostitution.
As a result of the Settlement Agreement, all parties involved benefit, including the community. The Orlando Weekly must now comply with the following conditions:
- discontinued the publication of the "Adult Services" section
- will not publish the "Adult Services" section or similar section in the future
- will not publish advertisements that promote illegal activity
- will reimbuse MBI $9943.33 for expenses related to the investigation
- will require photo identification and copy same of all persons placing advertisements
- will disclose the existance of the Settlement Agreement in any contract of sale
MBI correspondence and other documents related to this investigation are below.
- Settlement Agreement between Orlando Weekly and MBI dated February 27, 2008
- Press Release Orlando Weekly Settlement Agreement dated February 27, 2008
- MBI Excerpts from Synopsis of Affidavit Prosecutive Summary
MBI-05V-239
- MBI correspondence to Mr. Don Farley of the Orlando Weekly
dated June 1, 2007
- MBI correspondence to Mr. Rick Schreiber of the
Orlando Weekly dated March 29, 2007
Grand Jury Finds Sufficient Evidence
Orlando Weekly Charged with Criminal Racketeering
A Grand Jury found there was sufficient evidence to believe the Orlando Weekly was aiding and abetting prostitution and issued indictments on three individuals employed by the Orlando Weekly. The corporation was also indicted for criminal racketeering.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit served the indictments on October 19, 2007.
The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation corresponded with the Orlando Weekly and Craigslist earlier this year about their advertising practices. MBI also sent Ebay executives correspondence due to Ebay being a major shareholder in Craigslist.
The Excerpts from Synopsis of Affidavit Prosecutive Summary were released to the media after the arrests were made and the corporation served with a charge of Racketeering. This document is below..
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