Carl Ferrer, the CEO of Backpage.com pleaded guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to facilitate prostitution.
Michael Lacey and James Larkin, co-founded the company with Ferrer, and also founded the Phoenix New Times. Lacey was released on bond this morning, and Larkin is being held until his hearing on Monday.
The legal battle over Backpage.com has gone on for years and investigators claim that the site allowed prostitution to happen covertly, including with minors and victims of human trafficking.
So why did it take so long for these indictments to come, and how did the government find what they needed to make them?
Richard Ruelas, reporter for the Arizona Republic, has been following the case.
