Lowell Man Indicted on Sex Trafficking Charges, Allegedly Transported Victim Through Four States

A Lowell, Massachusetts man faces serious charges after federal authorities arrested him on allegations of sex trafficking and transporting a victim across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. Melando Streety, who also goes by “Prez,” was indicted for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, as well as five counts of transportation to engage in prostitution across Massachusetts, Nevada, Rhode Island, and New York.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts indicates that the accused, 41-year-old Streety, was apprehended in Michigan on Friday and is slated for a preliminary appearance before a federal court in Detroit. The indictment alleges, beginning in September 2023 and lasting until December 2023, Streety compelled the victim to participate in commercial sex using methods including force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion. During this time, it is claimed that he transported the victim from Nevada to Massachusetts before proceeding to Rhode Island and New York.

The charge of sex trafficking carries with it a hefty mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, with the potential for life imprisonment, and includes additional penalties such as supervised release and fines up to $250,000. Each of the transportation counts Streety faces could result in a maximum of 10 years in prison, plus supervised release and additional fines. Final sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge based on applicable guidelines and statutes.

Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information concerning this case to contact the designated hotline. Joshua S. Levy, the United States Attorney, along with Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol, announced the charges and expressed their appreciation for the assistance provided by local law enforcement agencies in Cambridge and Lowell. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty, of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit, is tasked with prosecuting the case against Streety, who currently maintains his innocence as per the standard of presumption until proven guilty in a court of law.