EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Five people were arrested Thursday following an anti-human trafficking operation led by the Illinois State Police (ISP).
The ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau led the operation on January 25, which focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts.
38-year-old Daniel A. Bennett of Bethany, IL, was arrested and faces charges of;
- Indecent Solicitation of a Child
- Traveling to Meet a Child
- Solicitation to Meet a Child
32-year-old Justin P. Covey of Irvine, KY, 38-year-old Scott A. Grote of Centralia, IL, 71-year-old David L. Hackett of Tuscola, IL, and 50-year-old Thad D. White of Cowden, IL faces the charge of;
- Solicitation of a Sexual Act
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A release from ISP said the operation was part of a multifaceted approach aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois.
ISP was assisted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, ISP Division of Criminal Investigation 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.