Anybody know if agencies in general retain or dump verification info after verifying? I'm really hoping they dump, because verification is all I did with an agency that got busted and I don't even want to talk to LE.

and you can't trust what they say in any case.

It is known that when LE does raid an agency, LE often claims (again often without offering much proof one way or the other.) that they have all kinds of records.

But again, this is often done to scare people away from using agencies and the hobby in general.

Like you said down below, I don't think the hobby is for you.  What's the point in spending a lot of money for something that you'll just be getting worried sick about?

agreed friend, I am worried sick and pathetically spent not a dime nor enjoyed a minute of pleasure! I'm not built for this and I'm done

To put your mind to rest, the LE cannot do anything to you if they only have your verification information. That would be like me writing down your info..... sticking it in my pocketbook, getting busted etc.  

They did not catch you doing anything, they did not see you do anything, they have no proof of anything. LE depends on people who are going to tip them off about something that is going on in the moment for an easy catch.

 They don't have time to waste on you unless you are some one like Elliot Spencer and they are going to get some kind of recognition, or raise.

Your information really means nothing to them. Kelley

thanks Kelley, the only other thing they might have is a few emails discussing possible days / girls. Never mentioned sex or payment. Last email is me backing out because I won't be in town. I've talked to online lawyer and they still say there is risk (prosecutor could stand on implied desire for sex and willingness to pay by virtue of contacting an escort service)...although prosecutor would want to concentrate resources on cases that would be successful, mine would probably end in dismissal. Most comments on this board indicate they won't even pursue me since I was never there, and didn't say anything stupid (sex and/or) money in emails. I sure hope so, I'm sick with concern and lost sleep

Implied desire is not equal to having LE see you hand over the cash.  I don't even think what you did even constitutes as conspiracy to commit a crime because you ultimately backed out.  There are bigger and easier fish to fry for these clowns.    
Maybe the online lawyer would like for you to have him/her on retainer in case your fears materialized?

that they lie about not keeping it, and that they wrongly believe that they keep the information secure. The information is potentially useful in the future in various ways including, just for instance, for other screening purposes or if you start making trouble or as a bargaining chip or if the agency gets shut down and they want to start another agency and contact old clients.

It is very unlikely that info by itself can get you in trouble.
Many people assume and give advice that only being caught red handed or talking explicitly proves a case and gets you in trouble.  If LE only has a few emails talking only about possible meetings, it's not worth it for them to pursue it and there may be no case there.  In your case, you should be okay.
But if the meeting actually took place, and the agency or provider cooperates and testifies, then it's a shitload of problems.  That's how the majority of cases (not just about this but other crimes too) are made.  Enough circumstantial evidence that is not enough by itself combined with the testimony of involved parties.  Many forget about this part. Your emails along with the testimony of a few providers or agency owners is enough to make a case.  Then it's a matter of how big LE can make the case and only the prosecutor's office knows if it wants to pursue it or not