'Erotic' online ad leads to robbery

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo., March 2 (UPI) -- Three Missouri men who answered an online advertisement for an "erotic dancer" got more than they bargained for when armed assailants arrived instead.

Police said after the three robbery victims answered a listing on the classified advertising Web site Craigslist Friday, a 27-year-old woman arrived at a home in Maryland Heights, Mo., with two armed friends in tow, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Sunday.

The armed assailants proceeded to rob the men rather than provide any "erotic" services, but one victim managed to call police.

Responding officers stopped a vehicle nearby and arrested 27-year-old Jessica L. Blackburn, along with two men, ages 20 and 21. Police allege two guns and stolen merchandise were found in the car with the trio, leading to charges of robbery and armed criminal action.

At least one poster on Craigslist responded to the news of the ill-advised online rendezvous, the newspaper reported.

"Anyone that meets anyone off Craigslist is brave!" the unidentified poster said.