The US Department of Justice recently announced a program to assist victims of sex trafficking through the now-defunct Back Page website.
About the Criminal Case
According to a press release from the DOJ, “From 2004 to April 2018, criminals used Backpage.com as an online platform to facilitate commercial sex and sex trafficking, including trafficking of minors. In April 2018, the government seized Backpage.com. To date, Backpage.com, its owners, and key executives and businesses related to the platform have been found guilty of criminal offenses, including conspiring to facilitate unlawful commercial sex using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce and money laundering, and have been sentenced to federal terms of imprisonment.”
The Backpage investigation and criminal prosecution have also involved other businesses that took part in the business of sex trafficking, including hotels.
Sex trafficking, especially of minors, is a worldwide problem of which Backpage.com was a major contributor. However, the problem persist and the perpetrators of these crimes must be prosecuted and held accountable for corrupting and ruining lives.
What to Know About Recovering Compensation
The deadline for participating in the DOJ program expires on February 2, 2026.
If you have been a victim of sex trafficking through Backpage, you may be eligible to participate in this program. I have been helping sexual abuse and sex trafficking victims throughout my career as an attorney. Please contact me if you have been sex trafficked or the victim of sexual abuse.
Thomas specializes in the litigation and trial of significant civil sexual assault, medical malpractice, personal injury, mass tort, and product liability actions. His innovative approach has led to 20 verdicts and numerous settlements in excess of one million dollars on behalf of his clients, including a recent landmark verdict for $58 Million. He has been recognized as “outstanding in the field of advocacy” nationally and internationally.
