Judge throws out Craigslist lawsuit against SC attorney general, says filing is premature

Judge throws out Craigslist lawsuit against SC AG

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Craigslist against South Carolina’s attorney general, who is trying to prosecute the Internet company for carrying ads for prostitution.

The judge said Friday’s ruling that no one at Craigslist has been charged with a crime. The ruling said it was premature to decide whether the company’s activities were exempt from prosecution. Craigslist has denied knowingly carrying ads for prostitution.

Attorney General Henry McMaster said the order is a victory for law enforcement in South Carolina and across the country. He said he intends to continue investigating Craigslist’s connection to prostitution.

Phone and e-mail messages left Friday for an attorney and a spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based Craigslist were not immediately returned.