A Seattle man, Shante Broady, 37, has been indicted on charges of sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion. He is also accused of transporting an adult for prostitution. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced that Broady pleaded 'not guilty' during his arraignment this morning. He remains in custody at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac while awaiting trial scheduled for July 14, 2025, before U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour.
The case records indicate that law enforcement began monitoring Broady in March 2023 after receiving a report of his involvement in sex trafficking a victim in Portland, Oregon. In November 2024, a former girlfriend reported being assaulted by him.
In April 2025, two women from Seattle approached the FBI with information about Broady's alleged sex trafficking activities and threats of violence. One woman claimed he attempted to coerce her into prostitution unsuccessfully. Another woman reported that Broady had lured her from Canada by purchasing her plane ticket and then forced her into prostitution using threats and violence while brandishing a firearm when angered. Text messages reportedly support these allegations. The victims obtained a civil restraining order against him, and the Canadian woman eventually returned home.
Additionally, the criminal complaint outlines Broady's involvement with a juvenile who had run away from a boarding school in another state. Law enforcement found the juvenile on North Aurora Avenue and returned her safely to family members; however, this aspect of the case is still under investigation.
Sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment if convicted. Transporting an adult for prostitution could result in up to ten years imprisonment.
It is important to note that the indictment contains only allegations at this stage; individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
The FBI is leading the investigation into this case which Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham is prosecuting as part of anti-trafficking efforts within Washington's Western District.
