The Florida Sheriffs Association is honored to announce the selection of Detective Eva Solis and Detective Ryan Ellis of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year. This award, which is proudly sponsored by FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, is presented annually at the FSA Summer Conference to commend an officer (or officers) who have shown service, bravery, and honor in the line of duty.  

Detective Solis and Detective Ellis have been jointly nominated for their exceptional investigative work on one of the most horrific child exploitation and human trafficking cases in Clay County Sheriff’s Office history. 

“Detectives Solis and Ellis exemplify the very essence of serve and protect. Their courage, professionalism and dedication are evident in everything they do,” said Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook. “Time and again, they break through every obstacle to save lives.” 

The case that led to the recognition of Detectives Solis and Ellis began with a seemingly minor discovery. A private citizen purchased an abandoned storage unit at auction in Middleburg and found a thumb drive locked inside a safe. Upon reviewing its contents, the citizen turned it over to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, where investigators quickly discovered that the device contained extensive material related to child sexual exploitation. 

What followed was a multi-agency investigation involving the Intercept Task Force and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Unit. Working closely with their partners, Detectives Solis and Ellis identified multiple adults and children appearing in the disturbing videos. They had credible reason to believe one child was still in immediate danger and residing with the suspects captured in the footage. 

After following leads across jurisdictions, they located the primary suspect and his wife living in Cocoa, Florida. Utilizing a well-executed strategy, members of the Task Force were able to bring the suspect back to Clay County, where he was safely apprehended. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was a serial child predator. He was connected with a woman, who engaged in the exploitation of children together. The detectives rescued one live child victim and identified several others who had been previously subjected to abuse. These victims, now adults, were given a pathway to closure and healing. The case has since unlocked new leads that stretch beyond state and national borders. 

Some of the key findings from the investigation include: 

• Seven identified victims 
• One live child rescued 
• Three additional victims pending identification 
• More than two million images and videos of child exploitation and abuse 
• The suspect charged federally with seven counts of production, carrying a minimum of 15 years per count 
• The wife arrested and charged with three counts of production 

Although both the suspect and his accomplice are in federal custody and unlikely to ever be released, the investigation remains ongoing. 

“The dedication and persistence shown by Detectives Solis and Ellis led to the takedown of a true predator,” said FSA President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “Their work reflects the highest ideals of law enforcement and underscores the ongoing responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves — especially our children.” 

“Detective Solis and Detective Ellis have worked tirelessly to protect exploited children and keep our community safe,” said Rob LaVielle, FirstNet Market Manager-Florida, AT&T. “As public safety’s partner, FirstNet is proud to recognize the incredible work these two detectives and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office do every day.” 

The Florida Sheriffs Association is proud to honor each as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. For more information, watch the official video here: https://youtu.be/p2TyMOaaZFk

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About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.

About FirstNet, Built with AT&T

FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T, in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. The FirstNet network provides public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, and law enforcement save lives and protect their communities. Learn more at FirstNet.com. FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.