Sheriff Gunning for Craigslist Hookers

The Cook County Sheriff: Craigslist is "largest source of prostitution in nation" sheriff is filing a lawsuit against Craigslist.org, calling it the "single largest source of prostitution in the nation."

The lawsuit focuses on allegations of human trafficking and sex crimes, a release from Dart's office said. 

Sheriff Tom Dart is asking a federal judge to order Craigslist to eliminate its "erotic services" section, where most prostitution ads are posted. He is also seeking reimbursement for tax dollars spent paying the salaries of officers who investigate and arrest those responsible for trafficking women on the website.

"Craiglist is the single largest soure of prostitution in the nation. Missing children, runaways, abused women, and women trafficked in from foreign countries are routinely forced to have sex with strangers because they're being pimped on craigslist." Dart said at a news conference.

Dart's office put out a list of Craigslist ads that officers have recently flagged or investigated:

• "15 min $50 roses ... 1 hour $150 roses"
• Young – tight - & - just – right – 4 – you (exit I-94 Old Orchard Rd: Skokie)"
• "Due to the way the economy is I am willing to do almost anything to get money."
• "Are you looking to make some good money in this tough economy. Minimum pay is $25 per hour ... performing duties specified in Naughty Nannies handbook."
• "Busty blonde pregnant beauty … 28 … Barrington Rd & I-90"
• "Teens for cash … $100 quickie"

While Craigslist doesn't charge for its Erotic Services ads, Dart said those ads generate huge amounts of traffic on the site, which then allows Craigslist to charge for premium ads in other sections, based on that traffic.

"Craigslist unabashedly facilitates prostitution, then ultimately makes a profit from it," Dart said in a release, pointing to the estimated $80 million in revenues Craigslist generated last year.