Conference Agenda

Monday – June 23, 2025

8 – 9 a.m.Coffee and Tea

Check-in and networking

9 – 9:15 a.m.Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Judith Brachman – Ohio Elder Abuse Commission (EAC) Chair
• Holly Andrews, Deputy Director of Support and Outreach, Crime Victim Services Section

9:15 – 10:45 a.m.Morning Keynote Address

When Memory Speaks: Older Adults’ Stories in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
• Tracy M. Dodson, nurse educator, associate professor and researcher at Kent State University.

Not all new technology needs to be feared by our older population. This interactive presentation explores the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool for promoting hope and emotional wellness among older adults in long-term-care facilities. Participants learn how to implement visual reminiscence strategies using generative AI to re-create meaningful life moments, such as childhood memories, and to spark joy, conversation and connection. Attendees also gain practical insights into how to use AI responsibly and empathetically in their own care settings to support mental health, build rapport and reduce social isolation among older-adult populations.

10:45 – 11 a.m.Break

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Morning Breakout Session (Workshops 1-3)

Workshop 1 | Is it Really That Easy for Fraudsters to Take My Home?
Workshop 2 | Victim Recovery Through the Ohio Investor Recovery Fund and Tools to Prevent and Respond to Financial Scams
Workshop 3 | Exploring a Senior Technology and Engagement Program

12:15 – 1:45 p.m.Buffet Lunch

Remarks from Attorney General Dave Yost

1:45 – 3 p.m.Afternoon Plenary Session

The Benefits of Collaboration: Where to Turn When Cryptocurrency and Other Modern Scams Hit Home.
• Mark Hoy, BCI Criminal Intelligence Supervisor
• Jennifer Schonauer, BCI Forensic Accountant
• Jeff Smith, BCI Special Agent
• Jason Snyder, BCI Special Agent
• Scott Stranahan, BCI Special Agent Supervisor

Members of BCI’s Fraud Investigation Unit, formed last year to address new challenges in the technology landscape, explain how the unit’s makeup – consisting of agents and staff from several sections of the bureau – maximizes performance and results. They present a case study centered on a Worthington case in which a 75-year- old resident lost more than $280,000 in a cryptocurrency scam and still, the unit was able to recover $136,000 for her. Also discussed is an Allen County case in which the victim lost in more than $17,000. Both cases illustrate the benefit of collaboration as scams grow more complex.

3 – 3:15 p.m.Break

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.Afternoon Breakout Session (Workshops 4-6)

Workshop 4 | Trends in Financial Exploitation: The Evolving Landscape of Cyber-Enabled Fraud
Workshop 5 | Stronger Together: Combatting Elder Abuse in a Changing World
Workshop 6 | Deception by Design: Unmasking AI Scams and Looking to the Future

Morning Keynote Presenter

Tracy M. Dodson Nurse Educator, Associate Professor and Researcher at Kent State University

Dr. Tracy M. Dodson holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Educational Technologies. She serves as a faculty member at Kent State University’s College of Nursing, where she teaches Nursing of Adults Across the Lifespan. In addition to her academic role, she continues to practice as a nurse in a critical access emergency department, maintaining a strong connection to frontline patient care.

Her scholarly work is deeply rooted in advancing innovative approaches to nursing education, particularly through the integration of emerging technologies. She is a co-researcher on the HARMONEE project (Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Resources for Mental Well-being for Older Adults and Nurturing Empathy in Education), a passion-driven initiative designed to enhance the emotional and social well-being of older adults in long-term care while reshaping how nursing students perceive and engage with the geriatric population.

Dr. Dodson is dedicated to dismantling age-related stigmas and inspiring future nurses to see the beauty and reward in caring for older adults, both through clinical experience and immersive, human-centered educational strategies.

Afternoon Plenary Presenters

Scott Stranahan Special Agent Supervisor

Special Agent Supervisor Scott Stranahan has over 25 years of law enforcement experience. SAS Stranahan supervises both the Electronic Fraud Investigation Unit as well as the Special Investigations Unit in Northwest Ohio. SAS Stranahan is a graduate of the University of Toledo and has completed leadership programs through the Ohio State University and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. SAS Stranahan’s law enforcement experience includes local, state and several federal task force assignments.

Mark D. Hoy Criminal Intelligence Supervisor

Criminal Intelligence Supervisor Mark D. Hoy proudly serves both the Criminal Intelligence Unit and Electronic Financial Investigation Unit of BCI. As a graduate of Tiffin University and studying at the University of Toledo, Mark has served within state government for over 22 years while maintaining an active commission as a peace officer.

Jeff Smith Special Agent

Special Agent Jeff Smith is a member of the Electronic Financial Investigation and Cyber Crime Units of BCI. He investigates both cyber crime and fraud related cases as well as providing digital forensic and technical assistance to the EFIU. SA Smith has 17.5 years in law enforcement, with time spent in local law enforcement as an investigator.

Jason Snyder Special Agent

Special Agent Jason Snyder is an agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He has been with BCI for approximately 12 years. SA Snyder has worked for 30 years in various capacities and with various agencies as a law enforcement officer. SA Snyder has worked numerous criminal investigations and has also received specialized training in criminal investigations from the US Army as well as the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy. SA Snyder has a BA in business and is a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator.

Jennifer Schonauer Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountant Jennifer Schonauer joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in January 2015 as a forensic accountant. Jennifer has provided financial support services for numerous types of criminal financial investigations, including public corruption, theft, embezzlement, and theft against the elderly. Jennifer has spent more than 20 years in public service holding positions as an assistant auditor, audit manager and senior audit manager for the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Majoring in Accounting from Miami University and a master’s degree in accounting with an emphasis in Fraud and Forensic Accounting. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Workshops

Morning Breakout Session (11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)

Workshop 1 | Is it Really That Easy for Fraudsters to Take My Home?

  • Steve Jarrell, Deputy Chief of Staff - Real Estate, Franklin County Auditor’s Office
  • Chaz Schaefer, Supervisor - Transfer & Conveyance, Franklin County Auditor’s Office

Real-estate title fraud has been the focus of multiple news stories and has prompted a growing number of companies to offer title fraud insurance to consumers, but is title fraud really as easy and widespread as it’s made out to be? The short answer, thankfully, is no. This discussion centers on Franklin County specifically, but much of it applies statewide.

Workshop 2 | Victim Recovery Through the Ohio Investor Recovery Fund and Tools to Prevent and Respond to Financial Scams

  • Janice Hitzeman, Attorney Inspector & Chief of the Enforcement Section, Ohio Division of Securities 
  • Timothy Jones, Investigator Supervisor of the Enforcement Section, Ohio Division of Securities

This session provides an overview of the Ohio Investor Recovery Fund, including eligibility and application requirements. It also explains resources available through the Ohio Division of Securities to help prevent, respond to and investigate financial fraud, including online and cryptocurrency fraud. Mandatory reporting is discussed, too, with attendees leaving the session able to identify new tools and resources available to trace cryptocurrency and digital assets.

Workshop 3 | Exploring a Senior Technology and Engagement Program

  • Tammy Goniea, Deputy Director of Workforce, Perry County Adult Protective Service
  • Chelsie Schultheis, Program Administrator of Workforce, Perry County Adult Protective Services

The Senior Technology and Engagement Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower those 60 and older with essential technological skills, ensuring their safety and connectivity in the digital age. The program provides interactive classroom-style sessions, focusing on teaching seniors how to use technology to protect themselves from online scams and maintain valuable connections with loved ones and health-care providers. This workshop outlines practical ways for advocates to help the people they serve.

Afternoon Breakout Session (3:15 – 4:30 p.m.)

Workshop 4 | Trends in Financial Exploitation: The Evolving Landscape of Cyber-Enabled Fraud

  • Caroline Adams, Intelligence Analyst, FBI Cincinnati
  • Meghann Black, Intelligence Analyst, FBI Cincinnati 
  • Michael Fields, Senior Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service - Columbus

U.S. Secret Service Senior Special Agent Fields will take participants on a deep dive into the world of financial exploitation with a closer look at some of today's most common financial scams targeting older adults, and will discuss  the ins and outs of how these scams are perpetrated and what can be done once someone becomes a target. FBI Intelligence Analysts Caroline Adams and Meghann Black will then dive into one of the trending tools for fraudsters - Generative Artificial Intelligence. IAs Adams and Black will briefly discuss what GAI is and how it works before narrowing in on how GAI is used in financial exploitation, common applications, and mitigation efforts for consumers and professionals. The session will wrap up with a brief Q&A and provide a variety of resources for those charged with protecting some of society's most vulnerable.

Workshop 5 | Stronger Together: Combatting Elder Abuse in a Changing World

  • Katie Campbell, Director of Elder Victim Advocacy & Volunteer Guardian Programs, Crime Victim Services (serving Allen and Putnam counties)
  • Anna Hairston, MSW, LSW, Awakenings Victim Outreach Coordinator, Area Agency on Aging 3 in Lima

Through the lens of a rural, small town, attendees learn how local systems can work together to maximize resources in combatting challenges and barriers faced in advocacy work with seniors. Examples include the use of volunteers, active participation in multiple community coalitions and task forces, outreach events and educational-awareness campaigns, support groups and interactive art and music programs.  

Workshop 6 | Deception by Design: Unmasking AI Scams and Looking to the Future

  • Jennifer Carlson, State Director, AARP Ohio

As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, so do the tools and tactics of digital deception. From deepfake videos and voice cloning to AI-generated phishing emails and chatbot scams, cybercriminals are harnessing the power of AI to create convincing, scalable, and highly personalized attacks. The session dives into the evolving landscape of such scams but moreover looks to the future to see what trends and threats might look like ahead.

Hotel Information

Conference attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations and payment. Accommodations are available with special rates at the hotel, but PLEASE NOTE THE CUTOFF DATE:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus OSU
3031 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43202
Conference Rate: $129/night
Click here to book by June 18

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