Reaction to Backpage.com federal criminal verdict from legal team representing mom of Chicago sex trafficking victim, Desiree Robinson

Statement on Backpage.com federal criminal trial verdict:

Our Romanucci & Blandin legal team will fight for justice for Desiree Robinson, who was tragically murdered on Christmas Eve 2016 because of the unscrupulous practices of Backpage after she fell prey to sex traffickers and she was advertised on Backpage.com. What happened to Desiree is nothing short of a tragic nightmare for those who loved her and for decent people everywhere, and we are proud to represent Desiree's mother, Yvonne Ambrose.

We wish to thank the jury in the federal criminal trial against the co-founder of Backpage and Backpage executives. Thursday’s criminal verdict against multiple defendants for money laundering and prostitution is a step towards accountability for the deep harm done to so many individuals. Our civil case includes allegations against these same defendants and several others but alleges vastly different counts than the criminal case. Our civil case includes counts which allege child and human sex trafficking and wrongful death and survival claims. Our legal team looks forward to moving forward fighting for Desiree once the stay is lifted and the civil case is allowed to proceed.