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Lowell man arrested in Michigan for allegedly sex trafficking victim across 4 states
Melando Streety was arrested Friday.
A Massachusetts man is facing sex trafficking charges, accused of transporting his alleged victim through four states last year to engage in prostitution, authorities announced.
Melando Streety was arrested Friday in Michigan and charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, as well as five counts of transporting a person to engage in prostitution, the office of U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said a statement.
Streety, a 41-year-old from Lowell, will make his initial court appearance in Detroit, officials said.
Prosecutors allege that from September to December of 2023, the 41-year-old forced his alleged victim, using threats of force, fraud, and coercion, to engage in commercial sex. During that time, he allegedly transported the victim from Nevada to Massachusetts and then from Rhode Island to New York for the purpose of prostitution.
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The sex trafficking by force charge Streety is facing carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison with a maximum of life in prison, while each count of transporting a person to engage in prostitution could result in up to 10 years in prison.
Authorities said the investigation into the case is ongoing. Prosecutors are asking anyone with information to call 1-888-221-6023, option 5.
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