Prostitution: Has Backpage.com picked up where Craigslist left off?

After years of criticism from both law enforcement and human rights groups, Craigslist.com finally removed their “erotic services” section, which was nothing more than a front for online prostitution.

Of course, nature abhors a vacuum, so where Craigslist left offâ€"another website offering adult companionship has taken its place. The website is known as Backpage.com and their ads would make a Teamster blush.

A recent look at Backpage.com’s local edition features ads with scantily clad women in very suggestive poses, who sell “massages.”

The following two ads are typical of what can be found on the website:

-“All American girl that loves to play â€" 23

Hi guys, my name is Angelia…I am the all American girl next door with a twist…I am very open minded and love to cater to the upscale gentleman!!!

Available for outcalls in Norfolk also available for 2 girls and couples!”

-“Massage by Dominique â€" 25

We offer low price massages that will totally relax you. Are you looking to relax and unwind then you really need to contact me for all your massage needs.

Massage rates $65.00 and hour.”

This reporter contacted “Dominique” to inquire into just exactly what a customer could expect for his $65.00. I was somewhat surprised that this young lady was so willing to discuss her ‘services’ with someone over the phone, though she did ask me if I was a cop.

She told me that “mutual massages” were available for $120.00 an hour and that all of her services are performed with both she and the customer fully naked, and that the customer would be fully “released” at the end of the hour.

She also told me that her sister could join us for an extra $35.00.

Many of the ads actually offer military discounts.

On Saturday night, Newport News police conducted an undercover sting, resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals on various prostitution-related charges.

According to NNPD, officers with their Organized Crime Division used Backpage.com to contact suspected prostitutes and "johns," and arranged meetings at an apartment complex in the city.

Among the arrests were a 17-year old girl and three soldiers from Fort Eustis.

Those arrested along with the charges they face, follow:

-Samuel Akinsanya, 25, Brooklyn, New York - Aiding and Abetting Prostitution, Use of a Vehicle to Promote Prostitution, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

-Martin Arnold, 43, Newport News - Solicitation of Prostitution and Possession of Marijuana

-Terrence Bobbs, 39, Fort Eustis - Solicitation of Prostitution and Resisting Arrest

-Brandon Campbell, 22, Hampton - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Anthony Clemons, 40, Newport News - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Mark Cox, 43, Hampton - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Tracy Dobson, Newport News - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Manuel Gonzalez, 25, Chesapeake - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Arthur Gooden, 51, Hampton - Aiding and Abetting Prostitution and Use of a Vehicle to Promote Prostitution

-Randy Green, 40, Chesapeake - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Latiesha Hawkins, 19, Norfolk - Being a Prostitute and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

-Victoria Heckstall, 20, Hampton - Being a Prostitute

-David Kochersperger, 44, Solicitation of Prostitution

-Laura Lewis, 40, Scottsdale, Arizona - Being a Prostitute

-Harry Mageras, 48, Williamsburg - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Marc Pinto, 42, Virginia Beach - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Adam Presgraves, 31, Newport News - Solicitation of Prostitution (two counts)

-Anthony Royal, 26, Newport News - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Troy Taft, 45, Fort Eustis, - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Jeffrey Tobin, 24, Fort Eustis - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Robert Wagner, 45, Hampton - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Kiara Ward, 20, Memphis, Tennessee - Being a Prostitute (two counts)

-Stanley Ware, 39, Hampton - Solicitation of Prostitution

-Unnamed 17-year-old Norfolk female - Being a Prostitute

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