COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Craigslist against South Carolina’s attorney general, who is trying to prosecute the Internet company for carrying ads for prostitution.

The judge said Friday’s ruling that no one at Craigslist has been charged with a crime. The ruling said it was premature to decide whether the company’s activities were exempt from prosecution. Craigslist has denied knowingly carrying ads for prostitution.

Attorney General Henry McMaster [pictured] said the order is a victory for law enforcement in South Carolina and across the country. He said he intends to continue investigating Craigslist’s connection to prostitution.