Cook County K9 Sniffs Out Hidden Tech Evidence in Child Exploitation Cases

Labrador named Boone helps investigators uncover digital evidence that could save victims

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Boone, a four-year-old Labrador retriever, is Cook County's first-ever electronics detection dog, trained to sniff out devices that store digital memory. Since late 2022, Boone has assisted in more than 140 searches, with most leading to criminal charges. Investigators say his work has helped uncover hidden evidence and identify real victims of child exploitation.

Why it matters

The smallest pieces of digital evidence can expose the darkest crimes. Predators often hide their digital trail in hard-to-find places, but Boone's specialized skills are helping investigators find crucial evidence that can change a child's life forever.

The details

Boone is certified to detect any device that holds memory or data, including phones, tablets, cameras, and more. Suspects often hide these devices in obscure locations, and even trained investigators can miss them. But Boone's nose is nearly perfect, guiding his handler straight to hidden evidence that has led to over 120 criminal charges.

  • Boone has been on the job since November 2022.
  • Since then, Boone has assisted in more than 140 searches.

The players

Boone

A four-year-old Labrador retriever and Cook County's first-ever electronics detection dog.

Sgt. Daniel Codd

Boone's handler and a sergeant with the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Lt. Jim Draz

An officer with the Cook County Sheriff's Office who discusses the emotional toll of these cases and how Boone provides support.

Cook County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that employs Boone and his handler to assist in child exploitation cases across Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“Any device that holds memory or data, like a GoPro or cell phone, those are the devices Boone can seek out.”

— Sgt. Daniel Codd, Boone's handler

“Anywhere you feel like your family doesn't want to go and find it, that's where most of these people are going to hide it.”

— Sgt. Daniel Codd, Boone's handler

“We've found devices with evidence of actual children. We were able to identify them, connect them with advocacy centers, and get them help.”

— Sgt. Daniel Codd, Boone's handler

What’s next

The Cook County Sheriff's Office plans to continue utilizing Boone's specialized skills to assist in child exploitation cases across Illinois, with the goal of uncovering more hidden evidence and identifying victims.

The takeaway

Boone's work highlights the crucial role that technology-detecting K9s can play in exposing the darkest crimes and helping to protect vulnerable children. His nearly perfect detection rate has already led to over 120 criminal charges, demonstrating the power of innovative investigative tools in the fight against child exploitation.