2025 Workshops
(Subject to Change)
2025 Seminar Workshop Schedule
2025 NJSIA Seminar Booklet.pdf
Keynote Speaker: Jarek Pyrzanowski NICB
Workshops & Bios
ARBITRATION JEOPARDY: ANSWER THE QUESTION CORRECTLY *CLE*
Richard E. Vuernick, Esq.
This presentation discusses the Third Circuit’s April 2024 Mt. Prospect decision and its aftermath. It starts with a review of the Mt. Prospect decision that dismissed GEICO’s insurance fraud Complaint, sending it to arbitration. The Third Circuit published opinion had the initial effect of gutting the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Protection Act for provider insurance fraud litigation. The decision unleashed a torrent of motions to dismiss in New Jersey state court this past year and would have forced large-scale provider fraud cases to arbitration. The first New Jersey state court case to make its way to the Appellate Division is the Carteret case. We analyze the Carteret Appellate Division opinion that reversed the trial court. Finally, we discuss how the New Jersey Supreme Court may decide the Carteret case next year and provide some points for carriers to consider to protect against having their insurance fraud allegations dismissed to arbitration.
Richard E. Vuernick, Esq.
Mr. Vuernick began his legal career as a consumer advocate in Washington D.C., for Citizen Action, a nationwide consumer advocacy organization. As Legal Policy Director, he testified before Congress and federal administrative agencies about the impact on consumers of legislation and administrative regulations. He appeared frequently on television and radio programs discussing and debating consumer protection legislation.
Upon his return to New Jersey, Mr. Vuernick served as Deputy Attorney General in the New Jersey Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, where he was responsible for investigating and prosecuting insurance fraud and organized crime matters from their inception through trial. For nearly 20 years since then, he has represented businesses and individuals pursuing legal remedies against fraud.
Mr. Vuernick concentrates his private practice on three areas. Mr. Vuernick uses his knowledge and expertise to help insurance companies and other businesses recoup money lost to fraud. He also litigates on behalf of corporate and individual whistleblowers with information about government contractor fraud, utilizing the federal or state False Claims Acts. He helps clients ensure the integrity of their organizations by conducting internal investigations into potential malfeasance, and offering workable solutions to the governing bodies of both governmental and private organizations.
BREAKING DOWN STEREOTYPES & HARNESSING GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY FOR SUCCESS
Loni Hand (panel moderator)
A dynamic panel exploring today’s intergenerational SIU and developing strategies for effective communication, setting expectations and achieving excellence.
Loni Hand(moderator)
LEADERSHIP – VISION – STRATEGY – INNOVATION
Founder of Civility Solutions, LLC, Loni Hand is a visionary executive leader with extensive experience as a corporate attorney with a proven record of increasing organizational effectiveness and driving business value. Experience includes enterprise level responsibility for privacy and security; anti-fraud strategy and operations; and corporate anti-discrimination and harassment program. As Chief Privacy Officer, Loni advanced the corporate cyber security program, governance processes, and strategic objectives. As SIU Director & Counsel, Loni transformed NJM’s Special Investigations Unit into a regionally-recognized award-winning premier insurance fraud investigation organization. In re-envisioning the enterprise anti-discrimination and harassment program, she shifted the focus from traditional legal “do’s and don’ts” to civility-driven, scenario-based training. With strong skills in human development and cross-organizational leadership, she is able to communicate effectively at all levels from Board and Audit Committee to individual contributor. She is recognized as being capable of driving results and executing on key objectives with superior outcomes using a collaborative, emotionally intelligent style.
After earning a JD from Seton Hall Law School and an LL.M in Trial Advocacy from Temple University, Beasley School of Law, Loni served as an adjunct professor in trial advocacy. She is a Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI) and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).
Loni serves on the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Special Investigators Association and lectures at national insurance fraud seminars and conferences.
As a former Assistant Prosecutor and Director of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit, Loni remains committed to supporting and protecting children in our community. Loni sits on the Mercer County Commission for Abused, Neglected and Missing Children and serves as member of the Board of Trustees of PEI Kids.
PANEL: Emily A. Donnelly, CPCU, Talent Development Specialist, Rutgers University – Camden HR
Melissa Jones-SIU (Crum & Forster), Francis X. (Frank) Sztuk- Senior Vice President/Investigative Services for the Delta Group
Building a Unified Fraud Identification Platform
Joe Bottino
Christina Rykens
In an era where data is abundant, the ability to discern meaningful patterns is paramount for effective decision-making and fraud detection. This session delves into the intricate world of data patterns, exploring their significance in identifying anomalies within complex fraud networks and medical provider behaviors. We will examine various types of patterns that emerge from data and what they reveal about operational integrity and potential fraud.
By leveraging advanced algorithms, we can uncover hidden insights that may indicate irregularities or suspicious activities. We’ll explore how combining best-in-class AI tools—claims fraud detection, document fraud detection, and cross-carrier intelligence —creates a unified, real-time picture of fraud. By correlating signals across carriers and data types, insurers can uncover hidden connections, stop organized schemes earlier, and build stronger cases with confidence.
The discussion will focus on practical applications of these patterns in real-world scenarios. Attendees will learn how to orchestrate these technologies within their workflows to reduce false positives, accelerate investigations, pinpoint unreliable providers and substantiate claims of fraudulent behavior.
3 Key Learning Objectives:
1. Data Driven Insights - How to identify patterns and anomalies in data by using advanced algorithms
2. Integrate with Precision – Learn practical ways to combine cross-carrier signals with claims and document-fraud detection to generate clearer, higher-quality alerts.
3. Accelerate & Strengthen Outcomes – Gain proven tactics to speed case resolution while building more complete, actionable evidence against sophisticated fraud schemes.
Joe Bottino - Head of Enterprise Sales (P&C). Joe is Shift Technology's NJ based account executive, working with our customers to ensure they realize maximum return from their investment with Shift. Joe has been working in the automation space for 15 years, helping customers match their business objectives with the right technologies.
Christina Rykens, CPCU, AIC, AINS is a Customer Success Manager at Shift Technology. Prior to her current role, she spent 20 years with State Farm, leading SIU major case and complex PIP teams. She also led the National SIU team and the P&C Claims Training team at Horace Mann. During that time, she led process improvement teams focused on enhancing SIU efficiency and led projects to improve the customer experience. She is passionate about combating fraud, ensuring strong claim handling, and fostering a curious mindset. In her current role, she enjoys helping customers effectively leverage AI solutions to address industry challenges. She grew up in Michigan and graduated from The Ohio State University. She holds a Bachelors in Japanese with a minor in Business. She currently resides in the north Dallas, TX suburbs.
CLICK, BIND, STEAL: ANALYTICS AT THE FRONT LINES
Mike Bento
Step into the shadows of the digital battlefield where fraudsters don’t wear ski masks, they write code.
In this session, we’ll expose how bad actors are weaponizing automation, RPA bots, and AI to exploit insurance carriers at scale. From identity probing and quote farming to synthetic personas and ghost brokering, you’ll see how fraud has evolved into a tech-driven enterprise.
We’ll explore:
Whether you're in SIU, cybersecurity, underwriting, or analytics, this session aims to challenge your assumptions, spark new ideas, and leave you asking: Are we ready for the next generation of fraudster?
Mike Bento
Mike Bento is an Administrator overseeing the SIU Data Analytics, PIP and Medical Fraud Teams at NJM Insurance Group. He has 15 years of insurance industry experience with NJM, 12 of which have been in the SIU where he has worked as both a field investigator and data analyst before working in various supervisory roles. Since 2017, Mike has led the Data Analytics group in its anti-fraud efforts by leveraging data analysis and intelligence gathering. The team is responsible for conducting data mining efforts to explore anomalies, as well as statistical analyses to identify patterns and trends related to fraudulent policies and claims in all lines of business at NJM. Mike holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
ETHICS 2025 - WHO ARE YOU?
Bob Horst, Esq.
Ethical decision making, at its core, is uniquely personal and individualized. This interactive session involves the attendees, considering the psychology of individual decision making. Utilizing provocative hypotheticals - and a little bit of Hollywood - the course explores the essence of professional decision making while asking each attendee: who are you?.
Bob Horst is the Managing Partner of the law firm Horst Krekstein & Runyon, LLC. Founded only 4 years ago, HKR was classified in 2025 by Best Lawyers® as a Tier 1 Firm for Insurance Law. An active litigator, mediator, and a private Arbitrator, Bob handles complex litigation with a focus on insurance fraud matters. Bob previously served for 6 years as General Counsel to the 4000+ member International Association of Special Investigative Units (“IASIU”) and also served a term on the National Committee of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (“CLM”).
FABRICATING CLAIMS WITH FICTITIOUS IDENTITIES: A CASE
STUDY OF ORGANIZED CRIME DETECTION
Jennifer Roe
Kim Palka
Scott Newkirk
Stephen Spinner
As stolen and synthetic identities become increasingly common, organized fraud rings are exploiting them to carry out sophisticated insurance fraud schemes. In this session, we’ll explore an active case study of a complex multi-claim identity fraud scheme that was detected through network analysis and digital media forensics, including the reuse of images across multiple claims.
Drawing on data patterns from ClaimSearch, we'll dissect how fraudsters attempted to bypass traditional detection methods. The case spans dozens of questionable claims linked to E-bikes, electric scooters, and mobility scooters, sprawling across more than a dozen states in under a year, resulting in multiple State Fraud Bureau referrals.
Participants will learn how to apply digital media forensics and network analytics in tandem to develop proactive, actionable strategies against emerging fraud tactics. This interactive session includes live Q&A and equips attendees to better detect and combat emerging digital fraud and synthetic identity trends in their investigations.
Jen is currently a Business Process Analyst, in NJM Insurance Group's Special Investigations Unit. Her role in NJM's SIU department is to contribute innovative ideas to enhance and streamline business processes, resulting in more efficient and effective investigations. Her background as a Bodily Injury and Property Damage Adjuster has provided her with invaluable insights into the insurance industry. Jen is committed to a path of continuous learning and growth, as reflected in her recent accomplishments, including designations such as LSSBB, AIC, AIS, AINS, AIDA, CPCU, ARC and the Google Data Analytics Certification. Jen is currently studying for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation.
Kim is a Business Insights Analyst within the SIU Data Analytics team at NJM Insurance Group. She has 11 years of insurance industry experience, having worked as a Personal Auto and Casualty Adjuster before working with the SIU. Of her 3 years with NJM, she has moved from SIU Data Analyst to her current Business Insights role handling various fraud detection/analytics projects as well as handling investigative cases. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She has also obtained her AIDA (Associate in Insurance Data Analytics) and SCLA (Senior Claims Law Associate), having focused on Property, Auto, and Fraud Claim Law.
Scott Newkirk brings over 15 years of experience in analytics, technology, and insurance fraud solution development. At Verisk, he leads strategy and delivery for Anti-Fraud Analytics claims solutions, helping insurers harness data to uncover and mitigate fraudulent activity. His career spans leadership roles in data science, consulting, and product development, with a focus on solving complex fraud-related challenges through innovative approaches.
Scott holds a Master’s degree in Analytics from North Carolina State University.
Stephen Spinner has spent over a decade in the Insurance Industry working in multiple SIU roles at a mid-sized P&C Insurance Carrier and was the analytics manager before coming to Verisk. Prior to the Insurance Industry Stephen worked at the NSA in Ft Meade Maryland instructing military intelligence analysts on topics such as cellphone analysis and network analysis. During that time, Stephen deployed to the Middle East where he spent a year as an advisor to Special Operations Command. Before the NSA, he retired as a decorated Michigan State Trooper and worked in various roles to include undercover narcotics enforcement and fugitive recovery. He served in the military for 10 years preceding that.
At Verisk Stephen currently manages the Network Analytics solution (formerly known as NetMap) and helps to train current and future users, as well as is a main point of contact for multiple government customers.
FRAUD FRENZY 2025: THE TRICKS EVERYONE IS FALLING FOR (PARTS 1&2)
Lorraine Buckman
During this two-part course, come learn about multiple topics impacting our industry such as the multi-BILLION dollar scheme targeting both Medicare and Commercial Insurance Companies. Something to ask yourself….Are you Gelling? Are you sure the orthotics in your shoes are custom or did you really get a pair of Dr. Scholls off the shelf? How about the fraud and schemes surrounding GLP-1 Medications such as Ozempic/Munjaro/Wegovy/Zepbound? Part two of this course will cover such topics as the impossible day and small group fraud involving our children and phony providers….are we paying for therapy or babysitting?
Lorraine Buckman is a Lead Investigator with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) whose responsibilities include preventing and detecting suspected fraudulent activity. Lorraine is also responsible for training all new Investigators within the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
Lorraine joined Horizon BCBSNJ as a Senior Investigator in 2005. Prior to joining Horizon BCBSNJ Lorraine was a Senior Investigator for both Aetna Inc. and the former Prudential HealthCare. Notables are her 40 years in the healthcare insurance industry with 33 years dedicated to the discovery and recovery of fraudulent dollars within various Special Investigation Units.
Lorraine is an experienced presenter having represented Horizon BCBSNJ’s SIU at the New Jersey Special Investigator Association Annual Seminar; NJ Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor/NICB All Hands Meeting on FWA; NJ Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, Bureau of Fraud Deterrence New Hires; FBI NY Health Care Fraud Working Group; and the Horizon BCBSNJ Fraud Summit.
GENERATIVE AI AND INSURANCE FRAUD: THE DATA, TRENDS & IMPACT
Brent Walker
This workshop will break down the results of the recent Coalition Against Insurance Fraud study on how generative AI is being used in insurance, by both fraud fighters and fraudsters. Brent will unpack key insights from the study and discuss how generative AI is shaping the future of insurance fraud. This is not just a discussion about technology, it’s a deep dive into how generative AI is reshaping the fraud landscape, the challenges on the horizon, and how fraud fighters are looking to use AI to stay ahead of the curve.
Brent J. Walker
Brent Walker brings nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement, insurance fraud investigation, and nonprofit leadership. He began his anti-fraud work as a police detective and has spent most of his career in SIUs with two major insurers, serving as a major case investigator, regional SIU manager, and anti-fraud compliance director. Committed to collaboration, he has been active in the anti-fraud community for over two decades, including serving on the IASIU board, leading a Texas chapter, chairing committees, engaging in advocacy, planning educational events, and managing a global publication. Before joining the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Brent co-chaired its Government Affairs Committee. He holds a bachelor’s in organizational leadership from East Texas A&M University and the Senior Claim Law Associate designation from the American Educational Institute. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he has been married over 30 years and has three children.
INVESTIGATING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CLAIMS*CLE*
Charles J. Lanzalotti, Esquire
Alleged traumatic brain injury claims are on the rise. This discussion analyzes the rise of this trend, how alleged TBIs are being used to enhance first- and third- party claims, and ways to identify and defend against bogus TBI diagnoses.
Charles J. Lanzalotti
Charles J. Lanzalotti is the Managing Attorney of Bennett, Bricklin & Saltzburg LLC. He also serves as the firm’s Enterprise Risk Manager. Charlie practices in state and federal courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, as well as Maryland federal court. He is the chairperson of the firm’s New Jersey division of the Special Investigations and Fraud team. Charlie files actions on behalf of insurers against medical facilities for violation of insurance fraud statutes. During his career, he’s tried numerous matters to jury verdict in cases where the claim is thought to be suspicious or fraudulent. Charlie is a frequent lecturer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including insurance, fraud, and data security. Charlie’s been recognized as a Super Lawyer® in Pennsylvania and New Jersey on numerous occasions during his career, including this year. During his free time, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife and family. His hobbies include deep-sea fishing, golfing, reading, and traveling.
MOCK TRIAL: A CASUALTY FRAUD GOES TO COURT
Bob Horst, Esq.
Dan Petrilli, Esq.
Dan Grossman, Esq.
Veteran trial lawyers Dan Petrilli and Dan Grossman - hailing from insurance boutique Horst Krekstein & Runyon - present a mock trial program, showcasing the intersection of trial technology and a detailed insurance investigation. See how New Jersey courts perceive a fraud defense at trial, all while participating as a virtual juror. This program is not to be missed!
Bob Horst is the Managing Partner of the law firm Horst Krekstein & Runyon, LLC. Founded only 4 years ago, HKR was classified in 2025 by Best Lawyers® as a Tier 1 Firm for Insurance Law. An active litigator, mediator, and a private Arbitrator, Bob handles complex litigation with a focus on insurance fraud matters. Bob previously served for 6 years as General Counsel to the 4000+ member International Association of Special Investigative Units (“IASIU”) and also served a term on the National Committee of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (“CLM”).
Dan Petrilli is a partner at the law firm Horst Krekstein & Runyon. Dan regularly handles high exposure, excess matters for insurers related to both complex casualty and first party property. His trial experience has ranged from application fraud, staged claims, set fires, predatory towing and medical billing issues. Dan has tried affirmative fraud actions to verdict and regularly presents on investigative techniques, evidence preservation, and compliance issues at various trade associations.
Dan Grossman is a partner at the law firm Horst Krekstein & Runyon where he represents insurers with a particular focus on commercial property insurance coverage. After 5 years of trying criminal cases as an Assistant Public Defender in Philadelphia, Dan has also developed a substantial interest in the investigation of suspected fraud. His experience includes multiple jury & bench trials, as well as the civil prosecution of insurance fraud cases.
NEW JERSEY AUTO THEFT METHODS AND ALTERATIONS
Detective Sargent Soares
Detective Brandon Cunha
This workshop will be discussing motor vehicle thefts, access to stolen vehicles and how they are altered for sale.Det. Brandon Cunha-New Jersey State Police
Detective Sargent Ross Soares
Detective Sargent Ross Soares is assigned to the New Jersey State Police, Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit, Auto Theft Task Force. He has been a member of the New Jersey State Police for 10 years and investigating Auto Theft for the past five years. While assigned to the Auto Theft Task Force, he has been involved in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of trans-national auto theft trafficking suspects and street-level auto theft targets for first, second, and third-degree offenses. Det. Soares has attended the New York Police Department Auto Crimes School, is an IAATI Certified Vehicle Crime Specialist and Berla Certified Vehicle Forensic Examiner. Det. Soares is an elected Director in the Northeast Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators.
NOMADIC ORGANIZED CRIME
Matthew Sciabica
A nomadic person is someone who roams around or moves about from one place to another, often seasonally. Some nomadic groups do this for the purpose of committing insurance fraud. This course provides a basic overview of nomadic organized crime within the insurance industry; the schemes, fraud indicators and action steps for insurance professionals to consider.
Special Agent Matthew Sciabica has been employed with NICB since 2022. He is currently assigned to the Medical Fraud Task Force in the Mid-Atlantic region, covering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. He investigates a wide range of complex fraud cases, including workers’ compensation, pet insurance, slip and fall incidents, staged accidents, application misrepresentation, and medical provider fraud.
In addition to his investigative work, Special Agent Sciabica serves as the Regional Learning and Development Facilitator for the Mid-Atlantic region, providing training and presentations to member companies and law enforcement agencies.
Prior to joining NICB, he served as a deputy with the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and as a police officer with the Prince County Police Department in Virginia.
RED FLAGS FOR INSURANCE FRAUD IN ORTHOPEDICS
Dr. Greg Jarit
This course explores common tactics used to perpetrate insurance fraud involving knee and shoulder injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. From the initial incident—often when an attorney refers a claimant to a no-fault clinic—cases may involve substandard care, inaccurate diagnoses, manipulated radiology reports, unnecessary or staged surgeries, and fraudulent billing practices. Dr. Jarit presents real-world examples of each type of fraud and offers guidance on how to recognize recurring patterns.
Dr. Gregg J. Jarit is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He is a partner in Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, in East Setauket, New York. He is affiliated with St. Charles Hospital and St. Catherine of Siena Hospital.
He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. He then completed a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Virginia and has been in private practice for 16 years.
He is dual board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, with a focus on knee and shoulder pain and injuries. He has a particular interest in treating rotator cuff and labral injuries of the shoulder, and cartilage and ligament injuries of the knee, as well as arthritis.
RESCISSION THE RIGHT WAY: IDENTIFICATION, INVESTIGATION AND LITIGATION*CLE*
This presentation will focus on underwriting fraud and the insurance company’s ability to rescind an insurance policy based upon material misrepresentations made by an insured during the underwriting process. We will focus on techniques and the implication of early detection prior to a loss. This presentation will also address post-loss investigation, how to properly investigate, utilizing the tools available to you, red flags and confirming material misrepresentations. We will also highlight the importance and interplay between the SIU Department, Claims Department, and Underwriting Department. Lastly, this presentation will address the potential for litigation in the even rescission is challenged or the claims are significant, and how to strategically bring the matter to a successful conclusion.
Matthew Werbel
Tulane University School of Law, J.D. 1998
Franklin & Marshall College, B.A. 1994
Mr. Werbel joined the firm following a successful clerkship with the Honorable Edward W. Beglin, Jr., Assignment Judge of the Superior Court in Union County. At Tulane he specialized in environmental litigation and regulatory actions, receiving a certification in Environmental Law as well as a J.D.
Mr. Werbel presently represents insurance carriers, insureds, and self-insureds in the investigation and defense of both first and third-party claims.
Mr. Werbel handles cases in many areas, including environmental, fraud, first and third-party coverage, inland marine, liability, and subrogation. Additionally, Mr. Werbel has successfully argued several cases before the Appellate Division including several that were approved for publication. Mr. Werbel also handles substantial subrogation claims including the early investigation of those claims.
Mr. Werbel has also presented many seminars on topics such as Mold, Bad Faith, Insurance Fraud, Unfair Claims & Settlement Practices Act, Staged First Party Claims, Additional Insured and Indemnification Claims, Collapse Claims, and Duty to Defend Negligent and Intentional Torts.
Richard A. Nelke
After graduation, Mr. Nelke obtained a clerkship with the Honorable Mark M. Russello, of the Bergen County Superior Court.
Following his successful clerkship, Mr. Nelke worked for a defense firm representing insurance carriers, insureds and self-insureds in the investigation and litigation of both first and third-party claims in New Jersey and New York. For 11 years he managed and supervised a litigation practice group, defended insureds and insurers in jury and bench trials in NJ and NY and specialized in the investigation and prosecution of fraud claims.
Mr. Nelke presently represents insurance carriers, insureds, and self-insureds in the investigation and defense of both first and third-party claims. Mr. Nelke has also presented many seminars on topics such as Mysterious Disappearance claims, Insurance Fraud, Bad Faith, the Evolution of COVID-19 Litigation and its Coverage Implication, Peer to Peer Rentals, and Pre-suit investigations.
STREET CRIMES AND WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES
Jarek Pryzanowski
Bonita Martin
This course examines the evolving intersection between traditional street-level crimes and sophisticated white-collar offenses. Participants will gain insight into how organized street gangs are increasingly diversifying their criminal portfolios, leveraging fraud and deception alongside conventional illicit activities.
Key topics will include: ● Automobile Finance Fraud – Understanding schemes where gangs exploit lending systems, obtaining vehicles through fraudulent loans with no intent to repay, often re-selling or re-vinning stolen cars to unsuspecting buyers. ● Identity Theft & Synthetic Identities – Exploring how gangs acquire and manipulate personal information to commit large-scale financial fraud, victimizing not only individuals but also banks, credit agencies, insurance companies, and retailers. ● Insurance & Loan Fraud – Analyzing staged accidents, inflated claims, and fraudulent financing schemes used to generate illicit profits. ● Cyber-Enabled Crime – Examining the role of technology and social media in facilitating recruitment, fraud execution, and laundering illicit proceeds. ● Gang Enterprise & White-Collar Tactics – Discussing how gangs adapt corporate-style structures, using shell companies, straw buyers, and complicit insiders to mask their operations.
Through real-world case studies, investigative techniques, and analysis of current crime trends, this course will highlight how traditional street gangs are blurring the lines between violent crime and financial crime. Attendees will learn strategies for detecting, investigating, and disrupting these schemes, with a focus on multi-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.
Jarek Pyrzanowski is currently assigned as a Special Agent with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the Operations, Intelligence and Analytics (OIA) Section. His NICB Special Agent duties are primarily focused on Motor Vehicle Crimes in the Northern New Jersey Area. In May 2025, Jarek Pyrzanowski retired as a Lieutenant with the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, specifically within the Major Threat Bureau, a specialized unit of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. In this unit head role, he oversaw investigations related to Major Automobile Crimes and other significant public safety threats, including Human Trafficking, Weapons Trafficking, and Fentanyl Trafficking. Before his Major Threat position, Lt. Pyrzanowski worked with the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force, both of which are part of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in areas such as Vehicle Theft, Vehicle Finance Fraud, and Vehicle Forensics. Prior to joining the Division of Criminal Justice, Lt. Pyrzanowski served in the Special Investigations Section of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and worked as a patrol officer with the Belmar Police Department in New Jersey. Throughout his 30-year career in law enforcement, he has conducted numerous complex investigations covering a wide range of topics, including automobile crimes, financial crimes, street gangs, drug trafficking, various forms of fraud, and official misconduct. Additionally, Lt. Pyrzanowski is a certified technical investigator with extensive expertise in electronic surveillance techniques, cell phone forensics, and vehicle infotainment extractions and analyses. He has served as the President of the New Jersey Vehicle Theft Investigators Association and was the 4th Vice President of the Northeast International Association of Auto Theft Investigators. Furthermore, he is a regular speaker at New Jersey Police Academies as well as various law enforcement and industry-related seminars.
Bonita Martin is a detective with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, currently assigned to the Insurance Fraud Unit where she investigates complex cases across 12 municipalities. She began her law enforcement career with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office in the Detective Bureau, traveling nationwide to recover fugitives with pending New Jersey charges, before joining the Prosecutor’s Office where she served in the In-Court Unit, spent six years as a homicide detective, and later launched the Community Outreach Unit. In addition to her investigative work, Bonita is a Crisis Negotiator with the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team and a Resiliency Officer supporting officer wellness. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Trauma and Crisis from Liberty University and is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, blending her law enforcement experience, counseling knowledge, and community service to serve with integrity and compassion.
Taking a Statement*CLE*
This workshop is designed to instruct participants how to take a Statement, Examination Under Oath or Deposition that can be used in the investigation of claims, in making coverage decisions, in the defense of arbitrations or litigation.
The workshop will focus on Zoom techniques being used in 2025.
Lee Befeler, Esq.
Lee Befeler is a principal in the Morristown law firm of Sullivan and Graber, which has provided successful representation to insurance carriers and their insureds for over 40 years. Mr. Befeler has lectured numerous times on insurance issues at the New Jersey Special Investigators Association and the New Jersey Vehicle Theft Investigators annual seminars and has prepared seminars for insurance carriers to satisfy CLE requirements. Lee Befeler is a certified R.1:40 Mediator for the New Jersey Superior Court. Mr. Befeler has also taught mediation at the annual Union County Superior Court event.
Sullivan and Graber has extensive experience litigating insurance claims in the State Courts in New Jersey. The firm’s coverage work includes assisting insurance carries in claim investigations and the taking of examinations under oath. Sullivan and Graber also provides carriers with legal opinions on issues including, but not limited to, coverage and policy conditions such as duty to defend, bad faith claims, subrogation and indemnification.
The firm’s insurance work includes:
In addition to general casualty work, Sullivan and Graber is recognized as a leader in the specialty practice of insurance fraud. The firm uses innovative techniques, advanced technology and hard work to fight fraud against insurance carriers. Sullivan and Graber pioneered the use of declaratory judgment actions to combat large fraud schemes resulting in significant savings to the insurance industry. The firm adopted the procedural tools developed in those actions to curtail fraud in PIP, personal injury and property damage cases. Sullivan and Graber’s current use of depositions of medical providers in order to defend out-of-pocket medical claims and Personal Injury Protection claims has resulted in millions of dollars is savings to its clients.
Lee Befeler received his J.D. from the McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, California in 1987. Mr. Befeler is admitted in New Jersey.
THE ANATOMY OF MEDICAL BILLING FRAUD: IDENTIFYING PATTERNS THAT DON’T ADD UP
Dr. Rory Michael Ciuffo
Medical fraud often operates subtly, concealed within billing codes, treatment frequencies, and questionable justifications. This session delves into common red flags and patterns that signal potential fraud—such as upcoding, unbundling, and overutilization. Participants will gain a structured approach to identifying discrepancies and improper or excessive reimbursements.
Dr. Rory Michael Ciuffo, D.C., D.A.B.C.O.
Dr. Rory Michael Ciuffo is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist with over three decades of experience in private practice, insurance consulting, expert testimony, academic teaching, and clinical research. He is the founder of Ciuffo Chiropractic in Bethpage, NY, and has served as a sub-investigator in numerous multi-phase clinical trials for multiple sclerosis, migraine management, and spinal care innovations.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ciuffo has held faculty appointments teaching neurology, cardiovascular, and respiratory assessment, and has earned advanced certifications in orthopedic evaluation, electromyography, and spinal imaging. Recognized for his patient-centered approach and deep commitment to evidence-based practice, Dr. Ciuffo brings a wealth of expertise to discussions on advanced chiropractic care, and integrative therapies.
THE TRIAL OF KAREN READ: AN ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION AND BIOMECHANICAL PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Dan Wolfe
In this workshop, Accident Reconstruction expert, Dr. Dan Wolfe, will provide an in-depth review of the science and engineering of the alleged incident involving Ms. Karen Read. This presentation will highlight the application of forensics and the synergy between the fields of accident reconstruction and biomechanics. In the early morning hours of January 29, 2022, it was alleged that Ms. Read reversed her 2021 Lexus LX 570 at a high rate of speed, striking her Boston police officer boyfriend, Mr. John O'Keefe. When Ms. Read’s Lexus was seized by investigators, the right taillight was damaged and taillight fragments were present at the alleged incident location. Mr. O’Keefe was found deceased on the front lawn of 34 Fairview Road with abrasions to his right arm and an occipital skull fracture. Through rigorous laboratory and field testing, ARCCA engineers evaluated the mechanics and forces of the alleged incident. Dr. Wolfe will provide a detailed discussion of his review of the evidence and his work involving impact testing of frozen taillights into instrumented Hybrid III anthropomorphic test devices. From the laboratory to the field, Dr. Wolfe will discuss his work concerning full-scale crash testing with a 2021 Lexus LX 570 and a test dummy to characterize the vehicle damage and quantify the forces and accelerations the human body is subjected to when contact occurs in a high-speed reversing maneuver. Lastly, Dr. Wolfe will present on his colleague’s behalf, Dr. Andrew Rentschler, to explain how the forces and accelerations correlate to various injuries.
Dr. Wolfe is the Director of Accident Reconstruction and specializes in the fields of accident reconstruction, human factors, and lighting. Dr. Wolfe investigates and reconstructs passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle collisions. He is accredited as a Traffic Accident Reconstructionist by the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR #3532). In addition to specializing in collisions involving nighttime recognition and conspicuity issues, he also performs lighting analyses in slip, trip, fall incidents and matters involving perception and object detection. His analysis techniques include headlight mapping of vehicles, luminance and illuminance mapping of artificial lighting, scene luminance, visibility modeling, and low-illumination and nighttime photography.
Dr. Wolfe earned a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, and a B.S. in Engineering with a minor in Mathematics at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. During his doctoral candidacy, Dr. Wolfe researched and studied in the fields of physics, electromagnetics, optics, photonics and lighting. He relies on his educational background in electrical engineering and physics to design, test, and analyze automotive electrical systems. He also evaluates and tests various Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that utilize technologies such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR), millimeter wave radars, infrared, and optical cameras.
VEHICLE DAMAGE CLAIMS AND HOW TO TELL WHEN IT IS FRAUD*CLE*
Michael Price
Vehicle Damage Claims and How to Tell When it is Fraud is a one-hour presentation designed to assist participants in determining if vehicle damage claims are consistent with the provided scenario. This course will review methods consistent with vehicle fraud in various types of accident claims. It also examines how and what should be documented to prove or disprove the reported scenario. We will also cover vehicle technology that can be used to investigate a potential fraud case further. Ultimately, this course provides participants with the information needed to understand elements and conditions consistent with real accidents vs. fraudulent claims and updates on the technology that can be useful in these determinations.
Michael A Price
Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist
Senior Consultant
Michael Price is a Transportation Senior Consultant and ACTAR-accredited Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist. His professional experience includes 25 years as a member of the Baltimore Police Department, eight of which include extensive experience as a K9 handler, and 13 years on the Crash Team as an accident reconstructionist. Mr. Price’s areas of expertise include motor vehicle, motorcycle, pedestrian/bicycle versus vehicle, and commercial vehicle crash reconstruction. Mr. Price’s expertise also includes event data recorder (EDR) analysis for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and heavy trucks, and seatbelt analysis. He is a licensed UAS pilot and also has extensive training in crash scene mapping. He has investigated and reconstructed hundreds of collisions involving commercial and passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
WINNING FRAUD DEFENSES IN ARBITRATION: 10 TIPS FROM A FORMER DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROFESSIONAL
Gary T. Lesser, Esq.
Ariel C. Brownstein, Esq.
Matthew J. Burdalski, Esq.
Gary’s presentation will focus on the good, bad and ugly of what he has seen and provide practical tips on investigation and litigation tactics to successfully utilize a fraud defense in arbitration. Gary has heard fraud defenses from all insurance carriers and seen how Claimants respond to these defenses in arbitration.
Gary Lesser is special counsel in the Casualty Department with extensive experience in disputes involving Personal Injury Protection claims and bodily injury claims. He also handles matters as a member of the Fraud/Special Investigation Practice Group. Gary primarily deals with evaluating both medical provider fraud and intentional/staged losses. In this arena, Gary has significant experience conducting Examinations Under Oath as it relates to both specific claims and broader SIU investigations.
Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Gary managed his own firm for almost 20 years where he handled bodily injury claims and PIP arbitrations on behalf of plaintiffs. Additionally, he was also a full time PIP Arbitrator for Forthright Solutions for almost 13 years hearing and deciding thousands of arbitrations between medical providers and automobile insurance carriers. Gary's unique perspective fosters a balanced understanding having represented both sides and enables him to approach legal matters with a comprehensive view and also develop effective strategies for each party.
Ariel, a shareholder in the Casualty Department, focuses his practice on insurance fraud and Special Investigation Unit (SIU) litigation with particular emphasis on large loss fraud and medical provider fraud. His practice in the area of fraud investigation consists of assessing and analyzing fraud by both medical providers and falsified claims brought by his client's insureds. In doing so, Ariel has represented a significant number of insurance carriers on these issues and has assisted in multi-million dollar high-profile medical provider fraud investigations and law suits in various states.
Moreover, Ariel has litigated on behalf of many different clients in favor of protecting the interests of insurance carriers in court seeking to disclaim coverage for fraudulent claims. He has taken numerous comprehensive Examinations Under Oath on SIU-related issues throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In particular, he has assisted in several high-value and high-profile matters regarding carrier recovery of monies paid to fraudulent medical providers and fraudulent motor vehicle accidents. Furthermore, Ariel has litigated extensive insurance fraud and other personal injury protection related matters in the National Arbitration Forum (NAF)/Forthright and Superior Court for his clients.
During his career, Ariel has handled several high value cases on behalf of his clients. In one particular case, the amount sought by the Claimant was denied by the arbitrator due material misrepresentations made by the insured regarding his prior medical history and his injuries at the time of the subject loss during an Examination Under Oath, conducted by Ariel. In another matter, Ariel successfully argued that a claimant was subject to a personal injury protection benefit limit selected by the named insured, a live-in boyfriend and the amount demanded, was denied.
Prior to joining the firm, Ariel served as a law clerk for the Honorable Richard Geiger in Cumberland County Superior Court. His responsibilities included researching criminal law precedence, reviewing memoranda and pre-trial motions, and mediating civil lawsuits.
Matt is a shareholder in the firm's Fraud/Special Investigation Practice Group where he focuses primarily on large loss fraud and medical provider fraud. His practice in the area of fraud investigation involves the assessment and evaluation of both medical provider fraud and fraudulent claims on the part of his clients' insureds. Matt also has experience dealing with insurance coverage disputes, representing numerous insurance carriers across multiple states for the purposes of SIU investigation, bad faith litigation and general defense litigation. In doing so, Matt has represented a significant number of insurance carriers on these issues and has assisted in high-dollar and high-profile medical provider fraud, property loss and insurance fraud matters.
During his time with the firm, Matt has taken numerous Examinations Under Oath, drafted various complex coverage opinions and litigated topics of insurance fraud including, but not limited to, medical provider fraud, large loss property investigations and bad faith. In particular, he has assisted in multiple high-profile matters regarding carrier recovery of monies paid to fraudulent medical providers and as a result of fraudulent motor vehicle accidents. He has also successfully represented his clients in matters involving policy coverage and eligibility for benefits.
Matt earned his undergraduate degree from West Chester University and went on to receive his juris doctor from Widener University, in Wilmington, Delaware, graduating cum laude and with pro bono distinction. As a law student, he took part in Widener's Environmental Law Clinic, working with clients in all aspects of complex environmental litigation, and was the recipient of the Greenwatch Award for excellence in environmental law.
Prior to joining the firm, Matt represented insurance carriers and employers in the field of workers' compensation defense litigation where he handled matters in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PREMIUM FRAUD IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Matt Capece
Matthew F. Capece is a Representative of the General President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America (UBC) and a member of Carpenters Local 326 in Connecticut. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law with a JD and an award in labor-law studies. He has been a specialist in matters involving employment tax fraud, workers’ compensation insurance premium fraud, and wage theft in the construction industry since 1989. His duties include tracking state and federal legislation and law-enforcement cases, public speaking on illegal employment practices in the industry and assisting UBC regional councils in advocating for improvements in labor-standards enforcement. Much of his time is spent meeting with policy makers, workers' compensation carriers, and law enforcement agencies as well as construction workers and employers who have been victimized by fraudulent business practices. He received the Kim Presbrey Award from the Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group, the Samuel Gompers Award from the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards & Commissions, and the Practitioner Fellow Award from the Labor Employment Relations Association (LERA). He is a member of the Tennessee Employment Relations Research Association, LERA, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud Workers’ Compensation Task Force, and he is licensed to practice law in Connecticut and the District of Columbia.
Ron Meischker
Ron Meischker is regarded as an expert in labor regulations and identifying and exposing construction industry fraud, with more than 25 years of construction regulatory and compliance experience. He has provided investigative, audit and best practices training to more than three dozen government regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
Ron currently serves as the Chairperson of the NJ Governor’s Building Trades Construction Industry Fraud Committee, the Chairman of the Philadelphia Area Construction Taskforce and as member DC Attorney General’s Construction Worker Misclassification Task Force. He was also selected to serve on DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb’s External Advisory Committee.