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Online Prostitution Appears Thriving In El Paso

Two months after the popular Web site Craigslist vowed to rid their site of prostitution-related ads, it appears the exotic section has just changed names, and prostitution is a lively business in El Paso with the help of the site.

With just one click on the adult services section of Craigslist, the ads for what would seem to be sex workers selling their services in El Paso come up by the page.

From Cinnamon to LeToya, the ads and risqué pictures advertise the women’s assets.

"Things like Craigslist really are the modern way of posting their information," said Andrea Simmons, a special agent with the FBI.

The FBI sometimes investigates online prostitution and Simmons said it is well aware that prostitution is still being sold on the Internet, including on Craigslist.

“It's the same kind of situation as picking up a prostitute on the street corner, or the old fashion way would have been to put a classified ad in the newspaper," Simmons said.

KFOX reporter Derek Shore dialed some of the phone numbers on the local adult ads to try to get some insight.

Shore called a woman identified as Ms. Lovely.

“Hi, is this Ms. Lovely?” Shore asked.

“Yes this is,” a woman answered.

“Are you here in El Paso?” Shore asked.

“Yes I am,” the woman answered.

" I just wanted to know what kind of services you do offer on Craigslist,” Shore said.

“Just basically getting to know each other, hanging out,” the woman answered.

"Is there a charge?” Shore asked.

“No. I mean, some people probably do, but I don’t," the woman answered.

Ms. Lovely said she was looking for something platonic.

Shore dialed a phone number from another ad, this one advertising a number of girls.

“Hi, is Gayley there?” Shore asked.

“No. Were you looking to set an appointment for today, sir?” the man answered. "Were you looking for something that was all-inclusive or what?"

The line then went dead, but the man seemed serious in his questions.

"People often think that, well maybe it's not so bad, or maybe no one is watching and they feel a little safer, but the fact is a crime is still a crime," Simmons said.

Shore attempted to contact Craigslist Wednesday, but they did not return his calls.

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