Overview
Elder abuse includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults aged 60 and older. It is often underreported and difficult to detect, yet 1 in 10 older adults living at home in New York experience some form of abuse.
About
The Committee’s mission is to prevent and address crimes against the elderly by supporting law enforcement with training, technical assistance, prevention strategies, and educational materials. The Committee promotes a collaborative approach, bringing together law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and service providers.
Statutory Authority
Meetings
Meetings are held twice per year, in spring and fall.
Committee Membership
Members
(As of July 2025)
- Johanna Sullivan, Co-Chair – DCJS Representative
NYS DCJS Office of Public Safety - Jennifer Gottstine, Co-Chair – New York State Police Representative
Deputy Superintendent, New York State Police - David Staszak – New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance Representative
Director of Operations, NYS OTDA - Julie Kelleher – NYS Office of Children and Family Services Representative
Children and Family Services Specialist 3, NYS OCFS - Greg Olsen – NYS Office for Aging Representative
Executive Director, NYS Office for Aging - Avninder (Andy) Ajula – NYS Office of Attorney General Representative
Assistant Attorney General in Charge, NYS Office of Attorney General - Katie Egglefield – NYS Crime Victims Board Representative
Deputy Director of Compensation, NYS Office of Victim Services - Jackeline Bodden – New York City Police Department Representative
Lieutenant, NYPD - Gary Ertel – District Attorneys Association of the State of New York Representative
Assistant District Attorney, Erie County District Attorney’s Office - Julie Deleon – District Attorneys Association of the State of New York Representative
Assistant District Attorney, Bronx County District Attorney’s Office - David Catholdi – New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Representative
Chief, Brighton Police Department - Steve Rotunno – New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Representative
Chief, Cicero Police Department - Timothy Luce – New York State Sheriff’s Association Representative
Sheriff, Seneca County Sheriffs Office
Membership Requirements
The Committee includes 17 members appointed by the DCJS Commissioner for two-year terms, representing the following:
- DCJS Office of Public Safety
- NYS Police
- OTDA, OCFS, NYSOFA, OVS
- NYS Attorney General
- NYPD
- District Attorneys Association of NYS (e.g., Erie and Bronx Counties)
- NYS Associations of Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs (e.g., Brighton, Cicero, Seneca)
- NYS Senate and Assembly
- NYS Crime Prevention Coalition
Expenses
FY23: $0
FY24: $0
FY25: $1000 (projected)
Resources
Resources for Law Enforcement
Training and Technical Assistance
- In-person and online trainings, roll call videos, manuals, and webinars
- Guidance on scams, crime trends, and prevention strategies
- Contact DCJS at [email protected] for access
Key Partnerships
- Adult Protective Services (APS): Assists law enforcement with investigations involving abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. For further assistance please contact your local department of social services APS office.
- Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (e-MDTs): County-based teams help investigate complex elder abuse cases using a collaborative, victim-centered approach. For further assistance please contact your regional E-MDT coordinator.
- Missing Persons Clearinghouse: Assists with cases involving missing vulnerable adults, including those with dementia or cognitive impairments.
- Project Lifesaver: Offers tracking technology to help law enforcement quickly locate individuals prone to wandering. Available through participating agencies.
Resources for the Public
Education and Awareness
- Information on scams and bulletins on the latest consumer alerts
- Webinars and trainings to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse
Support Services
- Elder Abuse Helpline (non-emergency): 844-746-6905
Offers guidance, counseling, and referrals to protective services - NYS Office for the Aging: In-home and community-based support for older adults; find services via NY Connects
- Office of Victim Services (OVS): Compensation for crime-related expenses and access to Resource Connect for victim support
- Office of Consumer Protection: Assistance with scams, complaints, and consumer education
- Project Lifesaver: Also available to caregivers, providing peace of mind and fast recovery tools for individuals at risk of wandering; see a list of participating agencies