Craigslist hookers busted

More than providing a source of endless amusement for its readers (as in our Craigslistspotting finds), Craigslist has become a favorite business venue for hookers and drug dealers looking to provide their goods and services.  And the police are starting to crack down.

Four prostitutes have been arrested in the past three weeks at hotels near Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, charged with prostitution....

Anne Arundel County authorities began the investigation after reading ads posted on Craigslist.org that offered sex services for $140 to $300.

Police said Tuesday the women allegedly arranged several weeks' worth of appointments in advance, then flew into a city to meet with clients. They then traveled to their next destination.

Experts said Craigslist has become a favorite way for prostitutes to find clients and set up operations in cities where they don't have a network. Classified ads in a variety of categories are free on Craigslist.

"The Internet facilitates the mobility and the outreach to clients, and there are a number of Web sites, including Craigslist, that these workers use to announce their presence in a particular city during a particular day," said Ronald Weitzer, a sociology professor at George Washington University.

4 Arrested in Online Prostitution Sting - AP via Los Angeles Times