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Prostitution Sting Uncovers South Suburban Sex Trafficking
Twin Brothers Face Up To 30 Years For Sex Trafficking

Two Dolton brothers were arrested after a prostitution sting identified them as engaging in sex trafficking ring the South Suburbs.

Tyrelle Lockett, 17, and his twin brother Myrelle, were each charged with human trafficking, involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor and are facing up 30 years in prison as a result of the undercover operation.

On May 21, Undercover Cook County Sheriff’s Officers met up with the female victim, who was accompanied by Tyrelle Lockett at a motel in Lansing after they had responded to an ad on the internet.

While Lockett waited nearby, the victim and the undercover officer went in to a motel room where she agreed to perform an act of prostitution with the undercover officer.

Undercover officers talked with the female victim and it was learned that she had been forced in to the sex business by Tyrelle Lockett and his twin brother Myrelle. She told officers that Tyrelle had threatened and beaten her to get her in to the sex trade and that they had also been prostituting Myrelle’s underage girlfriend. She also told investigators that Tyrelle kept control of all the money she earned.

Tyrelle was arrested and found to be in possession of the victim’s belongings. Investigators were able to locate Myrelle’s girlfriend who was confirmed to be underage and learned that she had been prostituted by the brothers. Investigators also learned that Myrelle took the money she earned and provided for her needs.

According to prosecutors the brothers would also coordinate other aspects of the operation including making the motel reservations and taking photos of the victims for the internet ads they posted.

Both victims were not charged with any crime and support services have been made available by representatives of State’s Attorney Sex Trafficking Initiative.

Myrelle and Tyrelle Lockett both appeared in bond court yesterday where a judge set bail at $100,000 each and continued the case to June 14th. 

Earlier this year, State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez created a Sex Trafficking Initiative within her office to more effectively combat this problem. Prosecutors work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to both coordinate investigations and share intelligence. The initiative also networks with non-profit organizations and other agencies to provide services to those caught up in the sex trade.