EFFINGHAM COUNTY — A 38-year-old Centralia man is one of four men who have pleaded guilty after they were arrested earlier this year in Effingham County and charged with solicitation of a sex act.

Illinois State Police arrested Scott A. Grote in January, as well as 32-year-old Justin P. Covey of Irvin, Kentucky, 71-year-old David L. Hackett of Tuscola, and 50-year-old Thad D. White of Cowden. ISP said the arrests were the result of an anti-human trafficking operation and all four were charged with solicitation.

All four men were placed on two years’ probation Wednesday, were fined, and must complete 30 hours of community service work. The four were directed to pay their fines by the end of May.

A fifth individual charged in the case, 38-year-old Daniel A. Bennett of Bethany, is still awaiting the disposition of his case. Bennett is charged with indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a minor and solicitation to meet a child. Bennett is next due in court on June 19.