Agenda

Detective Adam Ross
Crypto Simplified: For Patrol & Investigations

Crypto investigations aren’t really that complicated but based on law enforcement’s assumptions (that it can’t be traced, and suspects are international) they go uninvestigated. Due to the lack of investigating, it’s a multi-billion-dollar scam industry. Local law enforcement should not kick the can down the street and forward every case to the federal government thinking that it helps; these cases deserve to be investigated at the local level in order to help your communities. Even though this training goes through the basics of crypto briefly, it focuses on the different scams Arvada sees, what to collect from patrol, and how to investigate these in a simplified manner with real traces. Forget about the technical jargon in this space and be able to talk about it plainly. This training dives deep into the practical information needed for the everyday investigator, whether at a bank or in law enforcement, that will make an impact.

Break

LaShae Woodard
Title: Coming Soon!

Learning Objectives:

• Coming Soon!

Byron Militello
Purple Maze

SA Militello will discuss the FBI major case called “Purple Maze,” which was a successful Economic Espionage/Theft of Trade Secrets cases involving the theft of bio-engineered corn seed.

Learning Objectives:

• He will discuss the liaison between the FBI and private industry.
• He will discuss the ability of the FBI to intervene at a critical point to prevent the loss of the proprietary information.
• He will also present the process leading to the successful prosecutions of the perpetrators.

Break

Stephen Pedneault, CPA, CFF, CFE
Managing Client Expectations

This session explores the emotional dynamics that often arise in forensic accounting and fraud investigations, using real-world case studies to highlight common client challenges. Participants will learn to recognize and manage the emotions encountered from the initial engagement through final reporting. The program will demonstrate practical techniques—such as setting realistic expectations, fostering trust, and applying emotional intelligence alongside forensic rigor—showing how empathy can be as essential as technical expertise in achieving successful outcomes.

James Rigberg
Building a Litigation-Proof Fraud Investigation: How to Make Your Work Survive Courtroom Scrutiny

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the weaknesses in fraud investigations that experienced litigators most frequently exploit during discovery, deposition, and trial.
• Draft reports that support reliable conclusions while avoiding unsupported opinions, internal inconsistencies, and other “time bombs” that can damage credibility.
• Assess whether the evidence actually proves fraud—or whether alternative explanations remain sufficiently plausible that they should be disclosed and investigated further.

Break

Damon Drew, CFE, CIA
From Discovery to Justice and Lessons Learned: An insider’s account of uncovering an Internal Fraud at the Colorado Department of Revenue, the investigation, and how the Department strengthened its internal processes for future prevention.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how the fraud was first detected from the perspective of the employee who uncovered it, including the specific anomalies, behaviors, and system irregularities that raised red flags.
• Trace the internal investigative process step-by-step—from initial reporting through evidence gathering, interviews, coordination with leadership, and escalation to law enforcement.
• Recognize the emotional, professional, and organizational challenges faced by internal whistleblowers and investigators.
• Apply lessons learned to strengthen fraud-resistant environments, including improved internal controls, reporting pathways, monitoring tools, and accountability structures.
• Translate the case into actionable prevention strategies tailored to modern revenue, compliance, and audit operations.

Lunch

Jennifer Grounds, MPP, CAMS, CFE
Breach of Contract or Fraud?

Law enforcement agencies frequently encounter complaints initially framed as civil breaches of contract, leading officials to advise reporting parties to obtain private representation. However, a deeper review may reveal indicators of criminal fraud and theft.

When potential fraud is identified, state resources are available to assist. The Colorado Division of Securities has the regulatory authority to investigate complex financial misconduct and refer viable cases for criminal prosecution.

Reviewing relevant Colorado Revised Statutes and recognizing critical red flags can help agency personnel determine when a dispute crosses the threshold from a civil breach into a felony consumer protection offense.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand How the Division of Securities can Assist
• Define a Security
• Recognize Common Indicators of Securities Fraud

Break

Doug Cash, MBA, CFE, CFI, CFCI, CECFE
Ethics

Learning Objectives:

• Coming Soon!