Months long investigation leads to fourth suspect arrest in Indianapolis trafficking case

Indianapolis, Indiana – A months-long investigation by Indianapolis police has led to the arrest of a fourth suspect in a sex trafficking case that authorities say resulted in the rescue of two young women and exposed an organized pattern of exploitation. Investigators stressed that the case moved forward because a victim felt safe enough to speak up, allowing officers to recognize warning signs and act quickly.

Detectives with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Vice and Human Trafficking Unit confirmed that 31-year-old Tyree White is the latest suspect taken into custody in connection with the trafficking ring. His arrest follows months of continued investigative work that began with a single welfare check in the summer of 2025.

Welfare check leads to wider investigation

In August 2025, officers from the IMPD Northwest District were called to a hotel to check on the welfare of a teenage girl. When officers located the teen and spoke with her for several minutes, they began to notice indicators commonly linked to sex trafficking. Investigators said the teen’s cooperation was critical, as it allowed officers to act without delay.

Based on information provided by the victim, officers identified two hotel rooms where they believed a suspect and a possible second victim were staying. After making contact with the occupants of both rooms, police took 31-year-old Lovie Grace and 18-year-old Tamya McKinney into custody. Vice and Human Trafficking detectives were called to the scene to take over the investigation.

Search warrants were served, and detectives spoke with several individuals connected to the case. During the searches, Grace was found in possession of keys to both hotel rooms and a large amount of cash. That same day, he was arrested on multiple felony charges, including rape, promotion of human sexual trafficking, criminal confinement, human trafficking, battery with injury, and possession of cocaine.

The investigation continued to expand in the days that followed. The next day, a second victim contacted detectives and provided additional details that further supported the trafficking allegations. Based on that information, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for McKinney on a charge of promoting prostitution. She was arrested just three days later.

Additional suspects identified and arrested

As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered evidence pointing to a third person involved in the trafficking operation. Through interviews, records, and other investigative methods, police identified 29-year-old Kayla Willoughby. She was arrested on charges including promoting human sexual trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking, and promoting prostitution.

Even after three arrests, detectives continued following every lead connected to the case. That work led them to a fourth suspect, Tyree White, 31. An arrest warrant was issued for White on January 28, 2026, charging him with rape, human trafficking, and making an unlawful proposition.

On February 3, 2026, detectives with the East District Violent Crimes Task Force persuaded White to voluntarily come in and speak with investigators. White reported to East District Roll Call, where he was interviewed by Vice and Human Trafficking detectives. Following the interview, he was arrested on his active warrant.

IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams praised the persistence of officers and the bravery of the victims involved.

“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. We will continue to pursue anyone who exploits or harms vulnerable people, and we want victims to know there are officers and partners ready to help them find a way out.”

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decisions in the case. Police emphasized that an arrest is not a conviction, and Grace, McKinney, Willoughby, and White are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.