Backpage.com Criminal Trial Now Postponed Until Next Year

Backpage.com Criminal Trial Now Postponed Until Next Year

PHOENIX — The Arizona judge overseeing the criminal trial of the former Backpage.com owners has granted a motion by the defense to move the trial date to January 2021, due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 health crisis in the state.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Brnovich filed a ruling yesterday stating that “the Court feels that it cannot ensure the health and safety of all trial participants at this time.”

Judge Brnovich cited the number of people expected in the courtroom for the high-profile trial as one of the reasons for the postponement until next year. At a minimum, the judge calculated there might be 40 people in the courtroom, including prosecuting attorneys, defendants, their attorneys and jurors.

The judge also mentioned that compelling out-of-town witnesses and lawyers to travel to Arizona during the current pandemic was “fraught with risk.”

The trial, originally scheduled for May 2020, had last been postponed in February until August 17.

Former Backpage.com owners Michael Lacey and Jim Larkin and others are accused by the government of a number of alleged crimes over their ownership of a popular adult-oriented classifieds website.

Backpage.com was shuttered and seized by federal authorities in 2018. They accuse the company of “participation in a conspiracy to facilitate and promote prostitution,” and also of money laundering, human trafficking and other charges.

Last October, U.S. District Court in Arizona Judge Susan Brnovich rejected a Motion to Dismiss filed by the defense for the former Backpage.com owners.

For more of XBIZ's coverage of the Backpage.com trial, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

New Pleasure Product Review Site 'ToyChats' Launches

ToyChats.com, a pleasure product review and discussion site, has officially launched.

AEBN Reveals Jade Venus as Top Trans Star for Q1 of 2025

AEBN has named its top trans stars for the first quarter of 2025, with Jade Venus landing atop the leaderboard.

SexLikeReal Debuts 'AI Passthrough' for Livestreaming

SexLikeReal has introduced “AI Passthrough” for VR livestreaming.

Show More