Increasingly, the sex trade is moving off the streets and on
to web sites such as BackPage.com. Reportedly, girls younger and younger are
being trafficked online. Recently officer Mike Gallagher of The Portland Police
Department set up a sting with a fake online solicitation for prostitution.
Within four minutes of the posting, a John called and arrived at the hotel
within an hour at which time he was arrested. Johns continued to call and make
dates in a virtual parade of sex customers.
The ads use provocative language but do not show the girl’s
face so as not to reveal how young she is. The ads usually list an out of state
phone number which makes it more difficult to track down those posting the ads.
When apprehended, the Johns usually rationalize their behavior and get to talk
about is further at “John school” where many are sent after being arrested.
Richard Lazere, East Portland Rotary H.T. task force
John School:
When arrested for soliciting sex and then enrolled in John
School, men learn about STDs, the risk of prison time and their role in
supporting this vicious crime against women.
John school is a valuable tool in making a dent in the sex
trafficking crime rate as 30% of men who take a John class do not reoffend.
