News release from Elder Options
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Law enforcement professionals from throughout North Central Florida gathered at the Alachua Senior Recreation Center on Aug. 4 for focused training aimed at strengthening investigations into elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
The session came on the heels of a July scam warning from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, which estimated that fraud-related losses in the area could climb to $8.6 million by 2026. According to ACSO, adults 60 and older make up more than half of those being targeted. Officials also pointed to the growing sophistication of scams, including artificial intelligence voice-cloning, caller ID spoofing, and fake law enforcement threats tied to jury duty, warrants, or other legal issues.
Organized by Elder Options and coordinated by Elder Abuse Project Coordinator Leslie Andrews, the regional training drew participants from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Ocala Police Department, Adult Protective Services, and the State Attorney’s Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. State Attorney Brian S. Kramer opened the program by stressing that confronting elder abuse and fast-evolving financial scams requires close coordination among first responders, investigators, victim advocates, and prosecutors.
Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson highlighted the broader importance of the effort, saying, “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 training program was created by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life and supported through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Lead trainers Chris Merkle, a District Attorney investigator, and Tara Patet, an experienced prosecutor, walked attendees through practical strategies for handling difficult elder exploitation cases, including:
How Community Members Can Report Concerns Directly
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
