Elder Options hosts advanced elder abuse training for law enforcement

Press release from Elder Options

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Detectives, investigators, and law enforcement staff from across North Central Florida convened at the Alachua Senior Recreation Center on August 4th for specialized training on elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

The training follows a July scam alert issued by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), which projected local fraud losses will reach $8.6 million in 2026, with residents aged 60 and older accounting for more than half of targeted victims. ACSO officials cited increasingly sophisticated tactics, including AI-generated voice cloning and spoofed law enforcement threats involving jury duty or outstanding warrants.

Hosted by Elder Options and coordinated by Elder Abuse Project Coordinator Leslie Andrews, the multi-jurisdictional training brought together personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Ocala Police Department, Adult Protective Services (APS), and the State Attorney’s Office (SAO 8). Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian S. Kramer opened the event, emphasizing that combating high-tech fraud and elder abuse requires seamless collaboration among first responders, investigators, and prosecutors.

Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson underscored the training’s regional significance: “Protecting older adults from abuse and exploitation takes vigilance, collaboration, and continuous education. The training provided by Elder Options equips law enforcement with the skills to spot warning signs, investigate thoroughly, and better serve vulnerable community members. In my experience, strong partnerships and specialized training lead to stronger cases that hold offenders accountable and improve justice for victims.”

The curriculum was developed by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) and funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Lead instructors Chris Merkle, a District Attorney investigator, and Tara Patet, a veteran prosecutor, equipped attendees with practical tools for investigating complex cases, including:

• Financial Exploitation — Utilizing forensic tracking software and accounting methods to trace stolen funds and counter complex schemes.
• Specialized Victim Interviewing — Applying trauma-informed techniques adapted for older victims and suspects, including those addressing cognitive decline and dementia.
• Evidence Collection & Multi-Agency Prosecution — Streamlining evidence sharing and mandatory reporting among police, sheriffs, APS, and state attorneys across county boundaries.

Direct Reporting Steps for the Community

1. Contact Local Law Enforcement Immediately. If funds have been transferred or an account compromised, residents should report it to their local sheriff’s office or police department without delay, as prompt reporting gives investigators the best opportunity to trace funds.
2. Report to Adult Protective Services, Department of Children and Families (1-800-962-2873). The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Press 2 to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the elderly or a vulnerable adult. Reports can also be made online at https://reportabuse.myflfamilies.com/s/
3. Call the Elder Options Helpline (1-800-262-2243). Specialists connect older adults, family members, and caregivers across all 16 North Central Florida counties with victim advocate assistance, resources, and local protective services.
4. File a Report with the FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov. Online scams, phishing attempts, and AI voice cloning threats can be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center to help track cybercrime patterns and support criminal cases.