Sessions At‑a‑glance

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
8:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Welcome Remarks & Keynote — The Drug Landscape
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Cynthia Peterman - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)
Andy Wilson - Ohio Department of Public Safety
Angelique Gonzalez - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)
Alex Van Dyke - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)

Join us for opening remarks from our ONIC and ODPS Directors, followed by a keynote address, "The Drug Landscape," delivered by our featured ONIC representatives.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Room TBD
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) National Smuggling Brief
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Tim Cardwell - National HIDTA Assistance Center

A Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) National Brief provides a snapshot to attendees of highway smuggling trends and tactics. DHE focuses on narcotics smuggling on highway corridors as encountered by uniformed officers conducting highway interdiction efforts.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Room TBD
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Leveraging MSB Data to Combat Drug Cartel Money Laundering
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Richard Lebel - Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC)

This discussion will cover the latest methods being utilized by drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) to launder illicit proceeds through a Money Services Business (MSB) and how Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC) can assist with your investigation.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Room TBD
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
OIU Operations: Reducing Violent Crime and Combating Street Crimes
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Kellette Mayberry - Ohio Investigative Unit
Enforcement Agents - Ohio Investigative Unit

A general overview of Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) to include the history of OIU, scope of authority with recently adding cannabis, enforcement initiatives, and joint investigations with outside agencies.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch & Vendor Hall / Networking

Grab lunch, connect and collaborate with vendors, and hear a message from our partners.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Plenary 1 — ONDCP Priorities & Progress
1.0 hour General CLE
Debbie Seguin - White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

Day One plenary speaker, Deputy Director Debbie Seguin, will discuss ONDCP priorities and progress, focusing on a whole-of-government effort to stop the flow of drugs and hold traffickers accountable. The priorities include reducing overdoses, stopping the flow of drugs, investing in prevention and long-term recovery strategies, and supporting innovative research and data-driven drug control strategies.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Plenary 2 — Ohio's Cannabis Law
1.0 hour General CLE
Darcy Moulin - Division of Cannabis Control (DCC)
Andrew Makoski - Division of Cannabis Control (DCC)
Patrick Vasil - Division of Cannabis Control (DCC)

This session will discuss the history and evolving landscape of marijuana laws in Ohio. Topics will include the origins of adult-use marijuana, current statutory structure, intoxicating hemp, and best practices for enforcement.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Room TBD
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Session TBD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Room TBD
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Controlled Substance Distribution, Scheduling, and OARRS for Investigations
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Cameron McNamee - Ohio Board of Pharmacy
William "Trey" Edwards - Ohio Board of Pharmacy
Kelly Monce Franklin - Ohio Board of Pharmacy

This presentation will provide law enforcement with a better understanding of how the Board regulates controlled substance distribution and how it uses its authority to designate new compounds as controlled substances in administrative rule. Law enforcement will also learn more about how OARRS can be a powerful investigative tool for a wide array of investigations from OVI to RICO charges. Real life case examples will be provided, and Board staff will be available to answer general questions on controlled substance distribution, use of OARRS, and Ohio’s process for scheduling compounds.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Room TBD
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Intelligence in Court: A Drug‑Related Homicide Case Study
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Kelsey Conn - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)
Megan Farley - Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office

What began as a routine drug‑trafficking investigation shifted dramatically when a residential search warrant uncovered a dismembered body in the garage. Eric Ward was ultimately convicted of Aggravated Murder, Trafficking and Possession of Drugs, and several related offenses for the 2021 beating death and dismemberment of the victim—a case that was charged in 2023 and went to trial in 2025. This presentation will examine how ONIC's intelligence analysts supported the investigation from the earliest stages through trial preparation, helping investigators make sense of complex data, identify critical leads, and push the case over the finish line. The session will highlight the essential role that intelligence analysis plays in both investigations and prosecution.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
7:55 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome Remarks & Plenary 3 — Combating the Emerging National Security Threats to America; The Synthetic Drug Crisis
1.5 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.5 hours General CLE
Cynthia Peterman - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)
Derek Maltz - Penlink (Former Acting DEA Administrator)

Join us for remarks from our ONIC Director, followed by the plenary session, "Combating the Emerging National Security Threats to America; The Synthetic Drug Crisis," presented by Day Two plenary speaker Derek Maltz.

Derek Maltz will address the need to synchronize law enforcement efforts to confront current public health and security threats. He will emphasize collaboration with professionals managing the increasing challenges of addiction and mental health, which contribute to heightened drug demand. The presentation will outline the threats posed by transnational organized crime networks and demonstrate how technology can unify and enhance agency responses to these crimes. Maltz will discuss emerging threats responsible for unprecedented fatalities in communities due to substances imported from China and Mexico. The session will also examine how traditional terrorist organizations are increasingly engaging in criminal activities for financial support. The importance of interagency collaboration will be highlighted as essential for addressing significant and escalating security threats in the United States. Additionally, Maltz will share insights from his work with families affected by fentanyl poisoning and from his tenure as Acting DEA Administrator. He will present intelligence on the expanding involvement of Chinese criminal groups with Mexican cartels in distributing lethal drugs across the United States. Finally, the presentation will address advancements in criminal communication security enabled by encrypted applications.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Room TBD
9:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Illicit Smoke Shop Investigations
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Mike Griffis - SEALE Narcotics Task Force
Shaun Stanton - SEALE Narcotics Task Force

Course will include why drug task forces (DTFs) and agencies should investigate, arrest and prosecute those operating illegal marijuana dispensaries under the guise of being legitimate "smoke shops," the dangers and consequences of not investigating these operations, the importance of involving prosecutors, how the cases morph from a drug case to a money laundering case, as well as providing proven steps to ensure successful investigations/prosecutions.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Room TBD
9:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Not So Elementary: Challenges Behind the Identification of New Compounds in a Dynamic NPS Marketplace
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Danielle St. Germaine - Cayman Chemical

The proliferation and diversification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to pose challenges to forensic scientists. This presentation will review the reference standard manufacturing process as well as provide resources, tips, tricks and strategies to identify newly emerging designer drugs across several structural classes. We will discuss relevant synthetic routes as they relate to structural feasibility and utilize EI-MS fragmentation patterns to elucidate the latest casework examples.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Room TBD
9:45 AM – 11:00 AM
ONIC Digital Forensics Forecast for 2026
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Tanner White - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)

ONIC digital forensics personnel will share insight on which emerging technologies are soon to impact law enforcement investigations and how to prepare for them. The audience will also receive updates on current obstacles in digital investigations. Finally, class participants will have an opportunity to get their digital forensics questions answered by trained and certified examiners.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lunch & Recognition Ceremony

ONIC invites you to join us in recognizing individuals and teams who embodied outstanding collaboration with the ONIC by strengthening narcotics investigations and information sharing in their work.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Plenary 4 — Current Threat of Mexican Cartels
1.0 hour Assignment‑based CPT / 1.0 hour General CLE
Mark Sandel - Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Mexico City

Experience a plenary session, "Current Threat of Mexican Cartels," presented by Day Two plenary speaker Mark Sandel of the DEA in Mexico City.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Room TBD
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
FinCEN: Using Financial Intelligence for Investigations
1.25 hours General CLE
Ann Martin - Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

This presentation will provide an overview of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the use of financial intelligence to develop and advance investigations. The agenda will cover Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) data, including the types of reports available, the industries covered, the value of BSA reports, and how they can be analyzed to counter money laundering and related illicit activity. Information about how to use and protect BSA information will also be shared. The presentation will highlight recent FinCEN analyses focused on cartel money laundering threats—including illicit finance linked to fentanyl trafficking and trends and patterns in Chinese money laundering network activity. The presentation will also include information on other FinCEN authorities and resources available to investigators, how to access them, and how to contact the Ohio State Coordinator for FinCEN information.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Room TBD
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
The Illicit Fentanyl Crisis — Update
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Brian Townsend - Mid‑States Organized Crime Information Center (MOCIC)

This session will provide an up‑to‑date, front‑line look at how illicit fentanyl is reshaping overdose trends, public safety, and community health.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Room TBD
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Using License Plate Readers to Further Narcotics Intelligence
1.25 hours Assignment‑based CPT / 1.25 hours General CLE
Jessica Lagucki - Ohio State Highway Patrol
Clayton Wehr - Ohio State Highway Patrol

This session will explore pairing LPR with other investigative tools and techniques to enhance narcotics investigations with case studies.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
2:30 PM – 4:40 PM
Plenary 5 & Closing Remarks — Mexican Cartels: Identifying and Investigating Cartels in Your Community
2.0 hours General CLE
Robert Almonte - Former U.S. Marshal
Cynthia Peterman - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)

Take part in our final plenary session, "Mexican Cartels: Identifying and Investigating Cartels in Your Community," presented by Day Two plenary speaker and former U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte. Hear closing remarks from our ONIC Director.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Welcome Remarks & Keynote — RecoveryOhio

Erin Reed - RecoveryOhio
Roni Burkes-Trowsdell - Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction

Join us on Day Three for remarks from our RecoveryOhio Director, followed by a captivating keynote, presented by our Day Three keynote speaker.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Judges & Specialty Dockets Panel — Understanding Trauma and How it Can Be Addressed: Examples of How the Ohio Judiciary Seizes Opportunities to Improve Outcomes
55 min General CLE
Hon. Theresa F. Dellick - Mahoning County Juvenile Court
Hon. E. Gerald Parker, Jr. - Montgomery County Common Pleas Court

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
ONIC Presentation — Illicit Drug Trends and an ONIC Partnership Case Study
1.0 hour General CLE
Alex Van Dyke - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)
Nicholas Warnecke - Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)
Michael Davenport - Hamilton County Heroin Task Force and Quick Response Team

This presentation will highlight prominent drug trends throughout Ohio and the importance of collaboration at all levels and different sectors. The presentation will then provide a case study on how collaboration between law enforcement and other partners is getting justice for overdose victims through the Hamilton County Cold Case Review Board.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
State Resources Panel — From Behavioral Health Navigation to Crisis Stabilization: State of Ohio Resources to Support Mental Health Needs
55 min General CLE
Jennifer Lloyd - RecoveryOhio, Ohio’s Continuum of Care Portal
Tia Cokes - Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), Ohio Department of Behavioral Health
Abbey Wollschleger - State of Ohio's 988

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch & Former Ohio State Football Player Presentation — Hold Your Rope: Former Ohio State Tight End’s Experience‑Based Conversation on Addiction, Avoidance, and the Disciplined Work of Recovery

Rory Nicol - Ohio State Tight End (2004-2008)

RecoveryOhio invites you to join us for a delicious boxed lunch and a special presentation, "Hold Your Rope," presented by Day Three guest speaker and former Ohio State tight end, Rory Nicol.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Data & Advocacy Presentation — Connecting Data and Advocacy to Demonstrate Public Value
55 min General CLE
Gene Detherage - Bluegrass Area Development District
Holly Raffle, PhD, MCHES - Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Funding Opportunities Panel — From Seed Money to Sustained Operations: Finding and Maintaining the Funding You Need
55 min General CLE
Jennifer Ruff - Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)
Alisha Nelson - OneOhio Recovery Foundation
Ted St. John - Hope Town, Inc.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Archie M. Griffin Ballroom
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Closing Remarks — RecoveryOhio

Erin Reed - RecoveryOhio

Close the final day of the Summit with remarks from our RecoveryOhio Director.