Source: United States Department of Justice
The Justice Department today convened the National Elder Justice Law Enforcement Summit, which represents the first national gathering of local, state, and federal law enforcement to focus on efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and fraud.
During the two-day event, held at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., representatives from local, state, and national law enforcement organizations from around the country will join federal law enforcement representatives to discuss and learn about the various forms of elder abuse; identify promising practices, resources and tools available to state and local law enforcement; and foster greater collaboration between law enforcement and elder justice professionals to prevent, identify, and address elder abuse in their communities. Some of the specific topics to be addressed will include how dementia may impact elder abuse investigations; how to overcome challenges associated with investigating financial exploitation; how trauma impacts older victims and the importance of connecting older victims with services; and the unique challenge of investigating abuse and neglect committed against nursing home residents.
“Tragically, millions of older Americans suffer from some form of elder abuse each year,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, who opened the event. “While the pandemic brought to light some of the most egregious elder abuses, we know that far too many cases still go unreported.”
In his remarks, the Acting Associate Attorney General emphasized the value of collaboration among all levels of law enforcement, adding: “While the Department is steadfast in our commitment to pursue elder justice, it’s clear that none of us can do this work alone. You are valued partners in the Department’s fight against elder abuse and fraud, and we continue to reap the benefits of working collaboratively with you.” He reiterated the Department’s commitment to supporting the critical work of state and local partners.
In October 2023, the Justice Department released its fifth Annual Justice Report to Congress, highlighting its ongoing efforts to root out heinous activity that strategically targets and exploits vulnerable, older populations. During the period covered by the report of July 2022 through June 2023, the Department pursued nearly 300 criminal and civil actions against more than 650 defendants who collectively stole more than $1.5 billion from over 2.4 million victims. Also noted in the report, the Department has returned hundreds of millions of dollars to victims of elder fraud schemes, while helping to freeze millions of dollars for other older victims before their funds were transferred to fraudsters. The Department also supported over 5,000 victim assistance organizations that provided services (including individual advocacy, crisis intervention, civil legal assistance, transportation, and emergency shelter) to over 240,000 victims aged 60 and older.
The Summit was organized by the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, with support from the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Community Orienting Policing Services. The event was also supported by members of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living.
To report elder financial fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline, 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). For more information on the Department’s elder justice activities, visit the Department’s Elder Justice Website, where information on the Summit also is available.