ICAC Undercover Operations Result In Three Arrests

On 10-14-2026, detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit took a proactive approach targeting individuals seeking to engage in sexual conduct with someone they believed to be a minor.

Over the course of two weeks, detectives established contact with three separate individuals who believed they were communicating with a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct.

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐞𝐫, 𝐃𝐎𝐁/𝟎𝟏-𝟐𝟎-𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟒

During the initial operation, detectives established contact with Shawn Colfer through an online social media application. Colfer believed he was communicating with a minor and, during the conversation, sent explicit images to the individual he believed to be 14 years of age. Colfer subsequently agreed to meet at a predetermined location in Brooksville.

On 10-15-2026, Colfer traveled from his residence in Clearwater to the agreed-upon location in Hernando County, where detectives made contact with him and took him into custody.

Following his arrest, Colfer was transported to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview. During the interview, Colfer confirmed ownership of the online accounts involved and admitted to communicating with someone he believed to be a minor. He also admitted to sending multiple images, including explicit images, to the individual. Colfer further stated that he traveled to Hernando County with the intention of establishing a long-term “friends with benefits” relationship with the minor.

Colfer was arrested and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he was placed on a no-bond status, on the following charges:

Transmit Information Harmful to a Minor (2 counts)

Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device

Travel to Meet After Use of Computer to Lure a Minor

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗩𝗮, 𝗗𝗢𝗕/𝟬𝟳-𝟭𝟭-𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟮

On 10-15-2026, ICAC detectives conducted an additional undercover online chat operation. During the operation, detectives established contact with Salvatore Va through an online application, and the conversation later transitioned to text messaging. Va believed he was communicating with a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations. During the conversation, Va sent nude images to the individual he believed to be 15 years of age and agreed to meet at a predetermined location in Brooksville; however, Va failed to appear.

On 10-29-2026, Sgt. Keiper received a message from an unknown number while traveling back to Florida from a human trafficking conference in Washington, D.C. During the conversation, the individual advised that he had obtained the phone number through an online application. After reviewing the account information, Sgt. Keiper recognized that the individual was likely Va, who appeared to have assumed a new online identity.

Communication continued through text messaging, during which sexual acts were again discussed, and additional nude images were sent from Va. The individual subsequently expressed interest in meeting the minor, and a meeting location was established.

Va then traveled to the predetermined location in Brooksville, where detectives made contact with him and took him into custody. Va was transported to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview, where he ultimately requested an attorney.

Va was arrested and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he was placed on a no-bond status, on the following charges:

Traveling to Meet a Minor

Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor (2 counts)

Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony (2 counts)

𝗞𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀, 𝗗𝗢𝗕/𝟬𝟵-𝟮𝟴-𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟰

On 10-16-2026, ICAC detectives conducted another undercover online chat operation. During the operation, detectives established contact with Keaton Bradley Ellis through an online application, and the conversation later transitioned to text messaging. Ellis believed he was communicating with a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations. During the conversation, Ellis sent a nude image to the individual he believed to be 15 years of age and subsequently agreed to meet at a predetermined location in Brooksville.

Ellis then traveled to the agreed-upon location, where detectives made contact with him and took him into custody.

Following his arrest, Ellis was transported to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview. During the interview, Ellis confirmed ownership of the online account involved and admitted to knowingly communicating with someone he believed to be a minor. Ellis further admitted to sending multiple images to the individual, including a nude image. Ellis stated that after leaving work, he traveled to the predetermined meeting location with the intention of having sexual relations with the minor.

Ellis was arrested and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he was placed on a no-bond status, on the following charges:

Traveling to Meet a Minor

Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor

Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office recognizes and appreciates the dedication and commitment of Sgt. K. Keiper, Detective Belmonte, and Detective Miller for their diligent investigative efforts and dedication throughout this investigation. Their commitment to pursuing those who seek to exploit or victimize children reflects the importance and seriousness of this work. HCSO also recognizes the continued hard work, teamwork, and dedication of the entire ICAC Unit, whose collective efforts play a vital role in protecting our community’s most vulnerable. We are grateful for the commitment of our ICAC team and their ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable and keep our children safe.

Hernando County Crime Stoppers / Anonymous Tips

If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous!

Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.

You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .

You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash!