KTRV Fox 12 Teen Solicits Prostitution on Craigslist
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Boise, Idaho -- A Garden City teen is out of jail after being arrested for prostitution.
Officers found her through the on-line website Craigslist. Police say the 19 year old was soliciting sex for money and she may not be the only one doing so.
It's a site that advertises products and services -- services that can even be categorized as erotic. That's where you'll find postings for people looking for fun, companionship and sexual massages.
There are even graphic pictures. Some so graphic we had to alter them for television.
"It was pretty blatant on the website what she was doing," said Lt. Plott with the Boise Police Department.
Boise police say Lillian Richardson, 19, of Garden City was soliciting sex for money on Craigslist.
After a lengthy investigation, they arrested her, but their work on busting this type of crime continues.
"Any medium being used for prostitution, we're actively monitoring whether it be the newspaper, the phone book or Internet dating websites," said Plott.
But what's being done to filter this free public access website? Craigslist says it relies on its users -- having them agree to a disclaimer saying they will flag a posting that advertises anything illegal and report it to authorities.
That's apparently what led police to Richardson.
"It came in as an anonymous tip," said Plott.
As detectives continue to search websites for illegal activity, they say their goal is not to arrest alleged prostitutes but to get them some help out of an occupation they believe is dangerous.
"We care about them and we want to take them out of that destructive lifestyle," said Plott.
Boise Police say they have resources available to help women who are soliciting sex for money.
They encourage them to call Crime Prevention at 577-3000.
