And pushing things possibly more underground. Will agencies be utilized more? I realize a bigger risk for agencies but what do people think?
Stephanie SA good indy is still safer. That hasn't changed.
As long as they screen, as you have for years.
In my experience, generally speaking, agencies have little credibility in regards to references and are easier targets for surveillance. Police are more likely to invest resources to take down an agency with multiple girls (often young) who are being promoted by someone in charge than a mature, independent individual seeking mutual companionship. I’ve used agencies in the past, but I prefer independent women.
In the case of recent LE actions in areas where I follow the news, I think that most of them involved Fed action against agencies based on financial crimes (money laundering, tax evasion, etc.). A couple, including the recent BAD action in Boston, was a Fed action that focused on promoting or facilitating prostitution (and across state lines, too). I believe those charges are all felonies.
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I think that an indy who ends up in trouble is most likely to be charged with a misdemeanor for the services (IF they even get enough evidence for an arrest AND then if they can even prove anything). The more troublesome charge would be Fed tax evasion if she hasn't been paying taxes and can't account for her lifestyle expenses with verifiable income.
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NOT a Lawyer. Just my thinking on the subject.
Relatively new independents may try out an agency if they find their independent tours are financially rewarding. But this is nothing new. There are plenty of independents who got there starts with agencies.