Backpage.com Trial Begins in Phoenix With Jury Selection

Backpage.com Trial Begins in Phoenix With Jury Selection

PHOENIX — The trial of former Backpage.com owners Mike Lacey and Jim Larkin began yesterday in Phoenix, Arizona with federal prosecutors and the defense questioning prospective jurors about their knowledge of the case or other potential biases.

Phoenix-based journalist Stephen Lemons has been covering the case closely since its inception. He currently writes for Front Page Confidential, the last remaining outlet of the once-powerful Village Voice Media organization headed by Lacey and Larkin.

According to Lemons, a “grueling” jury selection process “played out Wednesday in the ultra-humid ‘special proceedings courtroom’ of downtown Phoenix’s Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse.”

The court, Lemons reported, “went through two panels of about 30 persons each, […] with about 30 or so remaining. Potential jurors were masked up and seated throughout the courtroom, with some prosecutors and defense staff, along with a few press and other observers, relegated to standing-room-only in a gallery above the courtroom. The defendants, with one attorney each, were seated in the well before the judge.”

“Defense attorneys previously have asked that federal Judge Susan Brnovich permit them to ask questions regarding her husband, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who is running for U.S. Senate in the 2022 GOP primary,” Lemon added. “The defense wants to know what jurors they [sic] think of AG Brnovich, and if they have strong feelings about him that might impact deliberations. The government remained neutral on the issue. But so far, Judge Brnovich has stuck to her declaration that she doesn’t want her husband’s name brought into the case.”

According to Lemons, at least one of the jurors told the court, “I don’t like escorts, but I know they’re legal” and noted that his wife “was involved with the controversial anti-trafficking group, Operation Underground Railroad.”

The jury selection process continued today

Main Image: Former Backpage.com owners Jim Larkin and Mike Lacey, 2021. (Source: Front Page Confidential)

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

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More