North Texas man convicted of attempting to entice a minor

FORT WORTH — Following a three-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, a federal jury convicted a North Texas man of attempting to entice an individual he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

This conviction was announced by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.  This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the Tarrant County (Texas) Criminal District’s Office, Digital Forensic and Technical Services Division.

Marquis Konrad Streaty, 32, of Arlington, Texas, was convicted Wednesday on one count of enticing a child. The offense carries a penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison. Sentencing is set for Sept. 5.

The government presented evidence at trial that between March 2 and March 9, 2017, Streaty attempted to persuade, induce and entice a person under 18 years old to engage in sexual activity.  On March 2, Streaty posted an ad to an internet message board website in a section that is commonly used to solicit sexual activity.  Part of the ad stated, “Just a VERY, VERY discreet early 30s attractive black male here just looking for a family with a kinky side.”  

A law enforcement special agent working in an undercover capacity replied to the message asking if Streaty “had any hangups with age.”  The agent also stated “Ive got a stepdaughter who likes to play and might be up for a new friend.”  Streaty replied “No I don't have any hung ups on age” and “I am interested.”  The agent proceeds to tell Streaty “And she is 13, so I get it if that’s too young for you.” Streaty replied, “I am interested in meeting her and you.”

The undercover agent and Streaty continued to email and eventually begin to communicate via text messages.  In these communications they discussed meeting during the purported minor’s spring break from school, what kind of sexually explicit acts would take place and the purported minor’s sexual preferences.  In a later communication, Streaty and the purported stepfather agreed to meet at an Inn and Suites located along Interstate 30 in Fort Worth. Streaty also agreed to split the cost of the hotel room with the stepfather.

On March 9, Streaty traveled from his Arlington residence to the Inn and Suites hotel.  Upon Streaty’s arrival at the hotel, Streaty was intercepted by law enforcement and placed under arrest.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy Larson and Megan Fahey, Northern District of Texas, prosecuted this case.

This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 14,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2015, nearly 2,400 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.