Illinois State Police Leads Anti-Human Trafficking Operation

For Immediate Release- January 26, 2024

EFFINGHAM – The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted an anti-human trafficking operation in the Effingham area resulting in five arrests. On January 25, 2024, 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

Daniel A. Bennett (38) – Bethany, IL. Photo submitted by the Illinois State Police

Justin P. Covey (32) – Irvine, KY – Solicitation of a Sexual Act

Justin P. Covey (32) – Irvine, KY. Photo submitted by the Illinois State Police

Scott A. Grote (38) – Centralia, IL – Solicitation of a Sexual Act

Scott A. Grote (38) – Centralia, IL . Photo submitted by the Illinois State Police

David L. Hackett (71) – Tuscola, IL – Solicitation of a Sexual Act

David L. Hackett (71) – Tuscola, IL. Photo submitted by Illinois State Police

Thad D. White (50) – Cowden, IL – Solicitation of a Sexual Act

Thad D. White (50) – Cowden, IL. Photo submitted by the Illinois State Police

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.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.