A Lowell, Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged with sex trafficking across multiple states. Melando Streety, also known as "Prez," aged 41, faces charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, along with five counts of transporting a person for prostitution. The arrest took place in Michigan, and Streety is set to appear in federal court in Detroit.
The indictment claims that from September 2023 to December 2023, Streety compelled a victim into commercial sex through various means including force and threats. During this time, he allegedly transported the victim from Nevada to Massachusetts and subsequently to Rhode Island and New York for prostitution purposes.
The charge of sex trafficking by force carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could result in life imprisonment. Additionally, each count of transporting a person for prostitution can lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England announced the charges. The Cambridge Police Department and the Lowell Police Department provided significant assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasize that the allegations are yet to be proven in court, reminding the public that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.