‘Online brothel’ boss takes plea

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The chief executive of a website that authorities have dubbed a lucrative nationwide “online brothel” pleaded guilty Thursday to state and federal charges including conspiracy and money laundering, and agreed to testify against others at Backpage.com, authorities said.

Federal prosecutors say Backpage brought in a half-billion dollars since it began in 2004, mostly through prominent risque advertising for escorts and massages, among other services and some goods for sale. Authorities allege the site was often used to traffic underage victims.

CEO Carl Ferrer will serve no more than five years in prison under a deal in which he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and three counts of money laundering.

Also Thursday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the company pleaded guilty to human trafficking.