IMPD arrests fourth person in sex trafficking case

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A fourth person has been arrested in connection with a sex-trafficking ring that resulted in two young women being rescued by Indianapolis authorities.

Tyree White, 31, is facing charges of rape, human trafficking, and making an unlawful proposition following a monthslong investigation and his subsequent arrest Tuesday.

The investigation started after IMPD’s Northwest District officers conducted a welfare check on a teenager at an Indianapolis hotel in August. While speaking with the victim, officers recognized signs of potential sex trafficking. The victim then led officers to two other hotel rooms, where they located a suspect and another possible victim.

Two other suspects, Lovie Grace, 31, and Tamya McKinney, 18, were taken into custody at the hotel.

Detectives served search warrants and found Grace in possession of a large amount of cash and keys to both rooms. He was arrested on charges of rape, promotion of human sexual trafficking, criminal confinement, human trafficking, battery with injury, and possession of cocaine.

The following day, a second victim contacted investigators to provide more information. McKinney was then arrested three days later on a warrant for promoting prostitution.

As the investigation continued, detectives identified a third person involved in the ring.

Kayla Willoughby, 29, was arrested after investigators gathered evidence linking her to the operation. She faces charges of promoting human sexual trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking and promoting prostitution.

Detectives eventually identified a fourth suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for White on Jan. 28, charging him preliminarily with rape, human trafficking, and making an unlawful proposition.

On Tuesday, members of the East District Violent Crimes Task Force convinced White to speak with investigators. He arrived at the East District Roll Call for an interview and was subsequently arrested on the active warrant.

IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams credited the rescue of the two women to the initial officers’ observations and the victims’ willingness to cooperate with the department.

“From the first officers on scene to our Vice and Human Trafficking detectives, this case shows what focused police work and victim trust can accomplish,” Adams said. “Because a victim felt safe enough to speak up, officers recognized the signs, acted quickly, and ultimately helped rescue two young women from a trafficking situation. Our detectives stayed on this case, followed every lead and worked until every suspect was identified and arrested.”

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make final charging decisions for White.

Grace, McKinney, and Willoughby are due in court for jury trials on March 2. White will appear for his initial hearing on Friday morning.

Help is available for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Below is a list of suggested resources, both national and local:

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