Illinois State Police Leads Anti-Human Trafficking Operation

The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted an anti-human trafficking operation in the Effingham area, resulting in five arrests.

On Thursday, the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Trafficking Enforcement Bureau led the operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. 

As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged.

• Daniel A. Bennett (38) – Bethany, IL – Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child, Solicitation to Meet a Child
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• Justin P. Covey (32) – Irvine, KY – Solicitation of a Sexual Act
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• Scott A. Grote (38) – Centralia, IL – Solicitation of a Sexual Act
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• David L. Hackett (71) – Tuscola, IL – Solicitation of a Sexual Act
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• Thad D. White (50) – Cowden, IL – Solicitation of a Sexual Act

This operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois.  Also participating in the operation were the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, ISP DCI Zone 6 and Zone 8, ISP SWAT, ISP Intelligence Support Unit, ISP Troop 9, Central Illinois Enforcement Group, Effingham Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Effingham County States Attorney’s Office also provided support for the operation. 

If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733.  For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.  You can also email ISP.Crime.Tips@illinois.gov.