Attorney General's News Release

May 5, 2000

Nixon issues cease and desist order shutting down child porn Web site

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today issued a cease and desist order shutting down access to a Web site that features child pornography. The order directs a San Antonio, Texas business that leases the Web space to the operators of the Web site, www.Little-Virgins.com, to remove the site from the Internet.

Nixon used his authority under Missouri consumer protection laws to issue the order to Rackspace Ltd., the business leasing the Web space. Upon receiving the order, Rackspace Ltd. removed the Little-Virgins.com Web site, which Nixon said advertised and offered for sale images of child pornography, including images of minor female children. The site advertised itself to be "dedicated to the beauty of nude girls 7-17 years old."

The Web site violated Missouri consumer protection law by falsely claiming that advertising and selling those images of child pornography did not violate federal law, Nixon said. Under state law, the cease and desist order remains in effect for 10 days unless extended by a court; Nixon said an investigation by his office is continuing.

Nixon said current Missouri child pornography laws require the images to depict sexual activity for state prosecutors to pursue criminal charges. A proposed bill supported by Nixon in the Missouri General Assembly, sponsored by Rep. Phil Smith of Louisiana, would permit prosecutors to file charges for pornographic images of children that do not portray sexual acts or conduct, such as those found on Little-Virgins.com.

"Missouri laws need to be strengthened so that we can better fight child pornography," Nixon said. "The Legislature has an opportunity to send a clear message that child pornography won't be tolerated in Missouri."

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818