“Craigslist
is the single largest source of prostitution in the nation...” - Thomas Dart - Cook County Sheriff
Mary's
Story
In 2007 "Mary," a middle-class suburban
New England girl who had fallen in with the wrong crowd and become
addicted to drugs, met a man who promised her "so much money
you'll be driving a Mercedes in a few weeks." He told her she
would be treated like a princess, like a "little Barbie doll,"
complete with a new wardrobe and exciting parties. He told her she
wouldn't have to worry about money anymore . . . she only had to
let him take some pictures of her and do exactly what he told her
to do. Mary was reluctant, but with seemingly nowhere else to turn,
she agreed. She had experienced a lot of trouble in her life and
this man was offering a way out. The photos were taken immediately.
Then, just a few minutes later, he put her posting online where
men find sex for sale. The phone started ringing right away . .
. and Mary had her first "date." Four hours. It was four
hours from the time she met the pimp until she had sex for money
with her first "John." Four hours that would send her
down a road of abuse, violence, humiliation, drug abuse and unimaginable
degradation.