Burlington Police Department Conducts Reverse Sting, Charges Seven with Sexual Conduct for a Fee

BURLINGTON – Chief Thomas P. Browne reports that the Burlington Police Department, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations, conducted a reverse sting operation at a local hotel to target prostitution customers and made seven arrests as a result.

NARCISO MELO, AGE 40, OF BRADFORD, was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Conduct for a Fee

PEDRAM RIAHI, AGE 50, OF BURLINGTON, was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Conduct for a Fee

MATTHEW YOUNG-THOMAS, AGE 26, OF MEDFORD, was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Conduct for a Fee

KEVIN DUFFY, AGE 64, OF WINCHESTER, was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Conduct for a Fee

LAWRENCE LIU, AGE 54, OF MEDFORD, was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Conduct for a Fee

CHERVENS SAINT LOUIS, AGE 32, OF LOWELL, was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Conduct for a Fee

MAYURKUMAR PATEL, AGE 25, OF BOSTON, was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Conduct for a Fee

On Wednesday, April 12, the Burlington Police Department worked in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations to conduct a reverse sting at a local hotel. A female officer posted ads on websites that are known for being a haven for advertisements offering sex for a fee. 

Individuals who responded to the ads and appeared in person at the hotel were arrested. One of the individual was arraigned in Woburn District Court on Wednesday. The remaining six defendants will be arraigned on Friday. 

The Burlington Police Department has conducted similar operations in the past, with a goal of stopping and preventing human trafficking and sex crimes in the Town of Burlington.

“I would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations for their support with this investigation. HSI has experts in human trafficking that help inform and support our investigations as we work to stop and prevent human trafficking and sex crimes in town,” said Chief Browne. “I congratulate the officers involved in this investigation on a job well done.”