Several former Indiana high school boys basketball players were on the move this week with the impending NBA trade deadline on Thursday afternoon.

Few states do a better job of sending talent to the professional ranks than Indiana, so it’s not surprising that so many players found themselves on new teams. It became a bit of a running joke as Thursday wore on, with more and more talent from the Hoosier State popping up in trade news.

Eric Gordon, North Central High School – Indianapolis

Mike Conley Jr., Lawrence North High School – Indianapolis

Jaren Jackson Jr., Park Tudor/La Lumiere – Indianapolis/La Porte

Jaden Ivey, Marian High School/La Lumiere – Mishawaka/La Porte

Trayce Jackson Davis, Center Grove High School – Greenwood

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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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MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) — A protest was held Wednesday in Northwest Indiana over rising utility costs.

NIPSCO customers gathered outside the company’s headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana. They say they’re having a tough time paying for skyrocketing winter bills and are being forced to make hard choices.

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NIPSCO appeared to be prepared for Wednesday’s protest. Construction cones and barriers were at every entrance to their building.

However, that did not stop dozens of upset Northwest Indiana residents from raising their voices against an energy company they believe is taking advantage of its customers.

As a customer, I feel a little betrayed,” Hobart resident Ramon Reyes said.

Reyes says he worked for NIPSCO for 10 years as a construction electrician, and now he’s protesting his former employer, concerned for his elderly mother.

“How do you go from a $200, $300 bill to, like, $500 you know?” Ramon Reyes said. “How does a 96-year-old lady make that up?”

Dozens of people took turns at a microphone calling out NIPSCO for what they’re calling exorbitant increases to their bills.

READ MORE | Northwest Indiana NIPSCO customers shocked as bills skyrocket

“It has to be a mistake,” Valparaiso resident Carmelo Reyes said. “This can’t be correct.”

Carmelo Reyes said he’s a disabled veteran, and with his wife experiencing significant health challenges, he says he’s facing a difficult decision.

“My wife is in the hospital because she had an aneurysm, and I have to decide, what am I going to do heat the house or help my wife with her medicine?” Carmelo Reyes said.

NIPSCO answered ABC7’s request for a response to customers’ concerns, saying “Customers are not alone in seeing higher Delivery Charges right now. Because of the cold temperatures, customers across our service area are using more natural gas than they were in warmer months… We want to reassure customers that NIPSCO does not control or mark up the cost of natural gas… Those prices come directly from market prices, and we simply pass them through based on customer usage.”

Merrillville 2nd Ward Town Councilwoman Shauna Haynes-Edwards is feeling the impact just like the people she serves.

“I feel like it’s a company that knows what they’re doing, and they know that they’re the only company that we have to use,” Haynes-Edwards said.

This realization is leaving local elected leaders and customers alike wondering what, if any, recourse they have.

“We’re at their mercy, because we have no one else to go to,” Munster resident Leilani Suchanuk said.

The people said they want NIPSCO to hear their concerns and do what’s right. They plan to continue to make their voices heard through protest.