Deal Made In Ohio Lawsuit Over Mugshot Websites

A settlement has been reached in a federal lawsuit in Ohio against two Internet sites that make money by posting mug shots of people who've been arrested. The lawsuit filed in Toledo involves three people who say the websites charge hundreds of dollars to remove the mug shots even if the charges are dropped. Attorneys in the case say the settlement finalized in late December includes an agreement that the owners of two websites will stop billing people to take down the photos. An attorney for BustedMugshots.com and MugshotsOnline.com says the sites will continue to operate and post arrest and criminal records, but won't charge to remove the images. The attorney who brought the suit says he may go after a similar site that wasn't part of the settlement.