Accused of 86 counts of criminal activity, acclaimed reporter and publisher Michael Lacey faced justice in a federal case that began when federal agents raided his home and shut down the website he helped create, Backpage, in 2004. The ongoing saga has spanned over five years, involving multiple judges, one mistrial, and the passing of his business partner, James Larkin. The charges have been rooted in a moral panic that foreshadows threats to free speech. Ultimately, Lacey was found guilty of just one count of concealing international money laundering for transferring money from a U.S. bank to a Hungarian bank in 2017. Critics argue that the actions seemingly do not constitute a crime. The Department of Justice asserted that the case was about protecting women and children from sex trafficking, but it was also viewed as an act of government persecution against and defense of free speech. Despite Lacey’s sole conviction, there are serious implications, with the potential for a 20-year prison sentence at 75 years of age. Most recently, the jury acquitted Lacey on one charge but remained divided on the other 80 counts, leading to another mistrial. This was the second attempt by federal prosecutors, with a previous trial in 2021 resulting in a mistrial due to smears by the prosecution. The case of Lacey, Larkin, and others was based on accusations of facilitating prostitution, money laundering, and conspiracy, despite their claims against illegal activity. The trial also saw some defendants acquitted while others were convicted on several counts. Notably, former CEO Carl Ferrer accepted a plea deal in exchange for cooperating with the government. Lacey and Larkin, who founded Backpage, believed their prosecution was personal, yet it also set a precedent for future legal challenges against tech companies. The case reflects a broader sentiment underpinning actions against players in the industry and the “moral panic” surrounding sex trafficking as a driving force behind these endeavors. The government’s success with Backpage has emboldened attacks on larger tech companies and the principles of free speech online, making Backpage a pivotal test case.