Identifying, Investigating, and Prosecuting Romance Scams

Kaitlin Cooke, Assistant US Attorney and Kimberly Ulmet, Victim Witness Specialist will focus on how police, prosecutors, and other stakeholders can identify and investigate ongoing romance scams. It will review important investigative tools and strategies likely to uncover evidence sufficient to support criminal prosecution. The presentation will also cover the federal criminal laws implicated by romance scams, including investigative processes, case studies of successful charging theories, and victim-witness issues likely to arise in romance scam prosecutions. 

Criminal vs. Civil Neglect in Long Term Care Facilities

Jeffrey Downey, Esq. will discuss the distinctions between civil and criminal cases and address Virginia criminal law as it relates to elder neglect and abuse. He will discuss investigating neglect and abuse of the elderly and the types of information and documentation that needs to be developed to assure a proper investigation either licensing agencies, adult protective service agencies or the commonwealth’s attorney’s office. Finally, he will address the issue of death certificates and how such certificate can be inaccurate, requiring referrals to Virginia’s Medical Examiner’s Office. 

Enhancing LTC Investigative Collaborations: Emphasis on ALFs

Sharon Deboever, Licensing Inspector with VA Dept. of Social Services will clarify the differences between assisted living, nursing homes and private homes in the state of Virginia as it relates to resident rights, operating and complaint procedures including responses to abuse and neglect. It will outline regulatory responsibilities and investigative collaboration with adult protective services and law enforcement by assisted living facility inspectors.