MEDFORD, Ore. -- Prostitution isn't what it used to be thanks to the internet. Websites like backpage.com have an adult section that allows users to post ads for sex.
Local police say this new emergence of prostitution is driving up human trafficking in the Rogue Valley. In February 2012, Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force officers allege Joshua Wayne Bull advertised on medford.backpage.com under the fake name Candy.
Investigators say Bull threatened a 14-year-old female into having sex with him and other men for money. He now faces multiple charges including compelling prostitution, rape III and sodomy III.
Keith Bickford runs Oregonians Against Human Trafficking. The taskforce was created back in 2008, to combat the state's growing sex trafficking problem.
"I have a feeling Medford is going to hit hard (with human trafficking cases) really soon," Bickford said.
Jackson County Deputy District Attorney Adam Peterson works closely with Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force.
"We as law enforcement are very aware of those websites and we're aware of what's being sent out there," Peterson said.
Medford.backpage.com is owned by Village Voice Media, a company based out of New York.
A recent study by Advanced Interactive Media Group shows backpage.com is the leading online publisher of prostitution ads.
According to the study, which was done between August 2011 and July 2012, backpages.com sites generated $28.6 million nationwide from online escort and body rub ads alone.
The Communication Act, Section 230 makes sure internet companies that host third party content aren't held liable for indecent material.
Peterson says that doesn't mean the people who post the ads are held liable.
"If in fact, folks are using the internet to advertise for prostitution that is in fact illegal," he said. "We are aware of what's being sent out there. We, as law enforcement, focus on underage victims."
Backpage.com isn't the only website selling space for sex ads. Peterson says there are numerous other ones but the issue becomes "where those websites are located, many are based overseas."
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