BOSTON — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested a Lowell man on Dec. 13 who has been charged with sex trafficking a victim in Massachusetts, Nevada, Rhode Island and New York.
Melando Streety, aka “Prez,” 41, was charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and five counts of transporting a person to engage in prostitution. Streety was arrested in Michigan and made an initial appearance in federal court in Detroit.
According to the indictment, beginning in September 2023, and continuing to December 2023, Streety caused a victim to engage in commercial sex through the use of various means, including force, threats of force, fraud and coercion. During that period, he also transported the victim from Nevada to Massachusetts, and then to Rhode Island and New York, all to cause to the victim to engage in prostitution.
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Each count of transporting a person to engage in prostitution provides a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Members of the public who have information regarding this case should call 888-221-6023, option 4.
HSI New England’s Boston Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit led the investigation with assistance from HSI Detroit, the Cambridge Police Department and the Lowell Police Department.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HSI plays an integral role in combating human trafficking by working with its law enforcement partners to deter, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks that engage in it. Special agents use their expertise and rely on HSI’s authorities to seize assets and eliminate profit incentives, work with nongovernmental organizations to protect and assist victims, and bring traffickers to justice. HSI leads the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) to advance counter human trafficking law enforcement operations, protect victims and enhance prevention efforts. The CCHT integrates the efforts of every component within DHS involved in combating human trafficking, including criminal investigations, victim assistance, identifying and reporting human trafficking, external outreach, intelligence and training.
HSI’s Victim Assistance Program (VAP) provides a critical resource to HSI investigations and criminal prosecutions. The VAP helps preserve victims’ and survivors’ rights, helps connect them with the services they’re legally entitled to receive and provides them with the support they need to fully participate in the criminal justice process.
If you suspect human trafficking, call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP. Callers may remain anonymous.
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