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2024.11.06 Annual State Education Conference
Wednesday, November 06, 2024, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM EST
Category: Events

NYACT 2024 Annual Education Conference
Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Registration/Sign In: 8:00am
Program: 8:30am - 2:30pm
In-person: Heritage Club at Bethpage State Park
99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Business Casual Dress
Please do not reqister unless you are confident in your attending. 
REGISTRATION DEADLINE 11/1/24 AT NOON
REGISTER HERE 
AGENDA

8:00AM
REGISTRATION

8:30AM
INTRODUCTION
Chair Nichole Soriano, Assistant Vice President of Organized Fraud Travelers Investigative Services, Travelers

8:45AM - 9:30AM
NEW YORK MOBILE ID
Todd Putorti, Deputy Director, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Field Investigation
On June 11, 2024, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) released the New York Mobile ID application (app) for optional enrollment by any New Yorker who has a valid (non-expired or revoked) driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card issued by DMV.  At the time of its release, New York became the fifteen state to adopt this technology in a rapidly evolving mobile identity space, with many more poised to do the same in the near future.  This presentation, by DMV’s project team lead, will discuss what New York Mobile ID and mobile Driver Licenses (mDL), in general, are and are not.  Further, we will explore the more immediate implications for law enforcement and other relaying parties regarding this technology, as well as what the future may hold as the digital identity ecosystem grows. 
Deputy Director Putorti has been a criminal investigator for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Field Investigation since March 2003.  The Division of Field Investigation has a primary mission to detect and investigate fraudulent documentation and schemes that may be used to obtain legitimate licenses, registrations, titles, or may be used in the furtherance of other crimes as well as preventing the trafficking of stolen vehicles and major component parts.  Deputy Director Putorti recently lead the development and implementation of the New York Mobile ID.  He has also spent the past fifteen years as the Program Manager of NYS DMV’s Facial Recognition Program.  Deputy Director Putorti has been promoted through the ranks of Investigator, Senior Investigator, Supervisor Investigator, and Chief Investigator to his current rank of Deputy Director of the Division of Field Investigation at the NYS DMV.  Prior to assignment to the DMV Central Office in Albany, NY, he was assigned to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Field Investigation offices in Highland and Kingston, NY.  Before his appointment as an Investigator with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Field Investigation, Deputy Director Putorti served as a clerk and analyst with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, both in their Albany, NY office and headquarters in Washington, DC.. Deputy Director Putorti has received both his Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Albany.  He is currently serving as a member of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ (AAMVA) Joint mDL Subcommittee, eID Subcommittee, and Card Design Subcommittee.  Additionally, he is also a member of the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group (FISWG), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the New York Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI), and the New York Division of the International Association for Identification (IAI).  He also served as a member of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Facial Identification subcommittee for seven years.

9:30AM-9:45AM
BREAK

9:45AM - 10:30AM
AUTOMOBILE DAMAGE FRAUD WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Mohan Deokinandan, Farmers Insurance
This session will review different methods of inspection widely used by carriers and mechanisms that can be used to defeat fraud prevention efforts; go over certain technical indicators of auto fraud that are not often caught and how to identify them; and touch on the value of forensic engineering/experts involvement in claims processing, and other technical information available from vehicles to aid in claim processing (Key data, EDR data, Infotainment data, Hybrid/battery data, Pre/post scan data, AllData, OBD diag, App data & fluid sampling).
Mohan Deokinandan is a lifetime automotive hobbyist. He started designing & building his own cars at a young age. He was a top tech at a performance automotive center in Plainview, Long Island. After leaving the performance industry he went to work at Farmers insurance as an auto damage Estimator and Special Investigator. He is a member of the SIU National Auto Team where he has focused on auto vehicle damage investigations working with multiple agencies and law enforcement as an industry expert. He is currently the SIU National Automotive Technical Consultant filling a need for handling investigations into the most complex & technical auto cases around the country. As vehicle technology advances, so will he; having maintained ASE Master Certification, ASE Auto Damage Analysis Certification and is I-CAR Platinum. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Industry-Engineering Technology from the University of New York, Farmingdale.

10:30AM-11:15AM
THERE'S NO MORE PRIVACY OR WAS THERE EVER? AN INSIDE LOOK INTO OSINT AND WHAT CAN BE FOUND ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB IN THIS DAY AND AGE 
Matt Anderson, AIC Companies
The presentation titled "There's No More Privacy, or Was There Ever? An Inside Look into OSINT and What Can Be Found on the World Wide Web in This Day and Age" explores the evolving landscape of online privacy and the vast amount of information accessible through Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). It dives into how personal data, social media activity, and other online footprints can be uncovered and analyzed, questioning the very notion of privacy in the digital age. The presentation aims to provide an in-depth understanding of what can be discovered on the internet today, highlighting the impact this information has on investigating fraud.
Matthew Anderson is the visionary President and Founder of AIC Companies, LLC, revolutionizing the landscape of Surveillance and Investigative Services within the claims industry. In 2014, he boldly established this investigative firm, driven by an innovative approach to address the evolving challenges in the field.  A proud graduate of Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Matthew earned his stripes in Criminal Justice and Investigative Practices. His journey into the investigative industry commenced in 2005 as a Field Investigator, focusing on probing potentially fraudulent workers’ compensation claims. Over the next decade, Mr. Anderson's ascent was remarkable, progressing from a dedicated field investigator to assuming pivotal roles such as Lead SIU Administrator and, ultimately, Director of Operations.  Now at the helm of AIC Companies, LLC, Matthew spearheads the entire operation, steering the company with a passion for pioneering solutions. Recognizing the need for innovation in an industry marked by stagnation, he is committed to introducing groundbreaking approaches that redefine the standard investigative practices. Under his leadership, AIC Companies, LLC boasts an exceptional All-Star Team of investigators, propelling the firm into a future characterized by excellence and innovation.

11:15AM-11:30AM
BREAK

11:30AM-12:30PM
PANEL: FRAUD AND INSURANCE IN NEW YORK: EVOLVING LEGAL LANDSCAPES
Moderator: John Sargent Senior Vice President Delta Group
Panel Members:  Richard Aitken of Bruno, Gerbino, Soriano & Aitken, LLC; Robert Stern, Manning & Kass; 
Frank Tiscione, Rivkin Radler Attorneys at Law
In an era where fraudulent schemes in the insurance industry are becoming increasingly complex, legal professionals must stay ahead of the curve to effectively navigate the evolving landscape. This panel will explore the latest trends in insurance fraud, examining how emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and legislative changes are reshaping the legal environment in New York.  Industry experts will delve into key issues such as digital fraud, the use of artificial intelligence in fraud detection, litigation strategies, and the role of state regulatory bodies in combating insurance fraud. With a focus on practical insights and future challenges, the discussion will provide actionable strategies for the industry, law enforcement and attorneys representing insurers in an ever-changing fraud landscape.  Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the legal complexities surrounding fraud in the insurance industry and how to proactively respond to new and evolving threats.
John Sargent is a Senior Vice President at the Delta Group. Sargent joined the Delta Group in November 2020. Before joining the Delta Group, he spent 25 years at MetLife where he led the SIU program for the last 16 years. He began his professional career as a police officer in Massachusetts. While with MetLife he served in several positions at the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud to include Treasurer and most recently the Co-Chair from which he stepped down in October of 2020; He was the Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts and the past Chairman of the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud, he was also an advisor to the CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Sargent has spoken extensively on the topic of Insurance Fraud and the management of special investigation units throughout the United States, Australia, and Germany.

Richard C. Aitken’s practice includes the representation of national automobile insurance carriers in all aspects of coverages, involving matters of vehicular negligence, premise liability, no-fault coverage, insurance fraud, uninsured motorist claims, and underinsured motorist claims and coverage analysis.  Mr. Aitken has litigated more than a hundred declaratory judgment actions on behalf of carriers regarding staged and/or caused motor vehicle accidents; material misrepresentation in the procurement of the policy of insurance; and fraudulently incorporated medical providers resulting in significant savings for the insurance industry.  One of his other passions is education. When not in court, Mr. Aitken regularly leads seminars and training for insurance carriers on all aspects of insurance law. He has successfully assisted a national carrier implement an examination under oath protocol of suspect medical providers and claimants and has also provided seminars at the National Insurance Crime Bureau.  Prior to joining BGSA, Mr. Aitken was an associate with a small general practice firm where he concentrated in criminal defense, plaintiff’s negligence, and family law. He was responsible for handling all aspects of these matters from the inception through trial.
 
Robert A. Stern is a Partner in the New York office of Manning Kass. He is a member of the Special Investigations Unit / Insurance Fraud Litigation team.  Mr. Stern has concentrated in insurance fraud law for over 25 years, helping create new law and theories of recovery for our clients. Mr. Stern assists and advises insurers in detecting, deterring, preventing, and prosecuting insurance fraud medical mills formed to exploit NY State and other states’ no-fault laws. He has successfully represented insurers in scores of affirmative recovery actions (including under RICO), filed in federal and state courts, to recoup money paid to medical clinics and healthcare providers that allegedly operated under illegal corporate structures, were fraudulently incorporated, engaged in illegal self-referral and kickback schemes, billed for medical services that were not provided as billed and the performance of unnecessary diagnostic testing and treatment.  In addition, Mr. Stern provides advisory services with respect to insurance fraud-related issues; assists in the development of insurance fraud programs that comply with applicable laws and regulations; provides clients with coverage opinions; and prepares responses to regulatory inquiries and administrative actions. He has also authored and co-authored numerous articles on insurance fraud; spoken on a variety of insurance fraud issues at international, national, and regional insurance fraud conferences; participated in insurance fraud workshops; trained federal and state law enforcement agencies, as well as insurance claims and investigative personnel; and has been invited to speak before a number of insurance focus groups, roundtable gatherings, blue-ribbon panels, and executive meetings.  Mr. Stern has been counsel to the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud since its formation. Additionally, Mr. Stern represents the firm’s clients in connection with first- and third-party fraudulent bodily injury claims, auto theft, arson, life and health insurance fraud, staged accidents and staged theft loses, insurance coverage litigation, first- and third-party bad faith litigation, and complex litigation.
 
Frank P. Tiscione is a Partner in Rivkin Radler’s Commercial Litigation and Insurance Fraud Practice Groups. Frank has successfully prosecuted affirmative actions on behalf of national and regional clients in federal and state courts, resulting in the recovery of significant claim payments made by insurers to physicians, medical clinics, and others involved in systemic claims fraud and kickback schemes.  Frank also defends insurers in litigation challenging claims handling practices. In addition, he counsels property, automobile and healthcare insurers on fraud prevention, presents training seminars, and works with investigators to keep them up to date on legal developments.  Frank has been elected to the We Care Advisory Board of the Nassau County Bar Association and its charitable arm, The We Care Fund. He also serves as General Counsel to the Long Island Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and is appointed to the LIACFE Speaker’s Committee and Community Affairs/Fraud Detection Committee. Frank is also appointed to the Laws and Legislation Committee of the International Association of Special Investigations Units which influences public policy related to anti-fraud legislation. Frank serves on the Insurance Fraud Committee of the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance and assists with their Committee Conference and Publication Subcommittees. He is an active member of the New York State Chapter of the Special Investigation Units and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.  A member of the American Bar Association, Frank was appointed Vice Chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section’s Business Litigation Committee and serves as editor of the Business Litigation Committee newsletter. He is also an active member of its Young Lawyer’s Division and was appointed to the Outreach for Young Lawyers Task Force.  Frank is active in Rivkin Radler’s in-house pro bono program, which provides legal assistance to disadvantaged tenants in housing disputes, and in the firm’s mentoring program, where he provides support and guidance for local elementary schoolchildren.  Frank has been published in numerous publications, and he also authored an article regarding recent developments under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.  While at Tulane Law School, Frank served as managing editor of the Sports Lawyers Journal and as chairman of the Tulane Sports Law Society. Frank was awarded Mediation and Arbitration certificates in recognition of his academic achievements in both fields.  During law school, Frank interned for New York State Supreme Court Justice Joseph Spinola.
 

12:30PM-2:00PM
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS AND LUNCH

2:00PM
CLOSING


Registration Information:

NYACT Corporate Members: $60.00
Law Enforcement Personnel: Free
Non-Members: $150.00

ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM

If you have registered to attend, but find yourself unable to attend, you must cancel your registration by no later than noon on Monday, October 28th, or NYACT will be charged and, therefore, must then pass the cost along to you. If you cannot attend, please contact the office to have a substitute individual on your behalf.


 2024 ANNUAL STATE EDUCATION CONFERENCE AWARDS

THE JOE McDONALD AWARD

The Joe McDonald Award is NYACT’s highest and most prestigious honor and is given to an individual or team in Law Enforcement in recognition of their contributions to the prevention and investigation of auto theft and insurance fraud in New York State, and for their dedication, support and contributions to the mission and work of NYACT.  This award is named in honor of Joe McDonald, a co-founder of NYACT and dedicated vehicle crime and fraud fighter. (Plaque)

Matthew P. Huss
New York State Police
Special Investigations Unit Auto Theft Unit

Investigator Matthew Huss from SIU Albany/ATU has played a crucial role in investigating auto theft and fraud cases in the capital and upstate New York regions. His expertise and dedication have made a significant positive impact, and his assistance is frequently sought by various law enforcement agencies for such cases. Through his efforts, SIU Albany - ATU has recovered numerous stolen vehicles and supported multiple local police departments in operations related to bait cars, fraudulent temporary tags, and surveillance, leading to several secondary arrests, including for drug and weapons possession.

One notable case led by Investigator Huss was a catalytic converter theft ring investigation in Saratoga County, NY, starting in August 2021. Huss identified Adrian Vanhall, Operations Manager of Metro Metal Recycling in Middle Grove, NY, as a key figure receiving stolen catalytic converters from a group of thieves operating in Fulton and Saratoga Counties. The investigation involved a wide range of tactics, including surveillance, undercover operations, financial analysis, and mobile phone data analysis. Vanhall's involvement was confirmed when he admitted to possessing catalytic converters at his residence without proper proof of ownership.

Following a thorough investigation, search warrants were executed, leading to the discovery of thousands of catalytic converters valued between $1.5 and $2 million, as well as $267,000 in cash. Vanhall was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 2nd Degree and related offenses. The case remains pending, highlighting the extensive and ongoing efforts by Investigator Huss and his team to combat auto theft and fraud in the region.


THE JOHN J. KENNEDY AWARD

The John J. Kennedy Award is presented for Outstanding Service by an individual or team in the insurance industry in recognition of the investigation and prevention of auto theft and insurance fraud. This award is named in honor of J.J. Kennedy, who started his career with the New York City Police Department in 1966 and retired as a Detective from the Auto Crimes Division.  He started his second career as a Special Agent with the National Auto Theft Bureau, which later became the National Insurance Crime Bureau where he spent the next twenty years of his life. (Plaque)

Offices of the New York State Inspector General
Workers’ Compensation Fraud Triage Team

Bryan Richmond
Jane Seely
Jackie Desautels
Kaitlyn Gibbons
Lisa Lingenfelter
Amy McMullen
Jim Pescetti
Mario Rubino

The Offices of the New York State Inspector General's Workers' Compensation Fraud Triage Team exemplifies excellence in the fight against insurance fraud and there is no better example of this than their work on the Amrish Patel (Medlink) case. In 2015, Governor Andrew Cuomo merged the Office of the Workers' Compensation Inspector General (WCFIG) with the Offices of the New York State Inspector General (OIG) to enhance the State's efforts to combat Workers' Compensation (WC) fraud. In 2018, to better address a rising volume of WC fraud complaints, OIG created the Triage Team.

Comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of eight Workers' Compensation Fraud detection specialists from across the state, including six investigators, a forensic auditor, a nurse, and led by Attorney-in-Charge of WCFIG Matters Bryan Richmond, the triage team performs a preliminary investigation of all WC complaints to assess their potential for criminal prosecution and to efficiently allocate OIG investigative resources. The critical nature of their work has only grown in recent years, as WC fraud complaints received by OIG average over 1,700 annually, having risen in each year of Inspector General Lang's time in office. The impact of the Triage Team's work has been equally profound, reviewing more than 10,000 complaints, resulting in over 100 arrests and the discovery of more than $19 million in fraud since its creation.

The recent arrest and prosecution of Amrish Patel, who stole over $1.9 million intended for medical professionals, is a prime example of this impact. Operating as a medical billing agent for a Brooklyn-based orthopedic practice, Patel falsified claim forms and redirected payments from the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) to his own companies, Medlink Services, Inc. and Medlink Partners, LLC. After a complaint alleging several instances of misappropriated New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) medical payments to a surgeon was referred to OIG, the Triage Team conducted an investigation, which ultimately uncovered and linked more than $1.9 million in fraudulently diverted insurance payments from 13 insurers and numerous medical providers. The team then worked together with an OIG investigative team comprised of various staff members across the office to further develop the case before presenting it to the New York State Attorney General for prosecution. On September 9, 2024, Patel pled guilty to Insurance Fraud in the Second Degree with a promised sentence of 5 years of probation. Patel was also ordered to repay $300,000 to the defrauded physicians. This amount is in addition to the $1 million Patel was ordered to pay back to the physicians following a federal civil lawsuit. The Amrish Patel case epitomizes the Triage Team's dedication to ensuring accountability in the Workers' Compensation System. Their rigorous efforts not only brought Patel to justice but also underscored their vital role in safeguarding the integrity of a system intended to help hardworking New Yorkers. This team is comprised of Managing Investigator Jane Seely, Investigator Jackie Desautels, Investigative Nurse Lisa Lingenfelter, Investigator Jim Pescetti, Investigator Amy McMullen, Investigator Mario Rubino, Data Analyst & Forensic Auditor Kaitlyn Gibbons.


LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Michael Bruno
Allstate Insurance Company

 Mike Bruno has spent the last 38 years of his almost 50-year Allstate career in the Claims Department with the last 25 plus years as a Major Case Unit Analyst.  As a Major Case Unit Analyst, Mike's primary responsibility is, as he likes to say, find a case, build a case, settle a case.  In other words, find evidence of fraud, if warranted develop an affirmative litigation against those who have perpetrated the fraud and then see it through to conclusion.  Mike's diverse background has enabled him to become an expert in putting together these affirmative litigations.  In addition to his case work Mike has served on numerous teams and committees over the years to improve processes within the Company, mentors SIU employees of all levels on all aspects of claims handling, works with outside agencies to explain, investigate, and deter fraud and is an all-around go to person for all things Allstate.  Mike is also a friend to all; always willing to listen to you in good times and bad, lend a helping hand with his down-to-earth advice and has some of the best stories you'll ever want to hear.  Mike has consistently developed cases over the years that have had a great financial impact on the Company.  A conservative estimate of his direct impact on the Company is as follows:  Waived or terminated claim value since 2014 is over $122 million dollars.  Restitution collected since 2014 actual cash in the door is over $14 million dollars. If you're ever looking for a true example of someone who sets industry standards in the fight against fraud, look no further than Mike Bruno.

Chief Joseph Kenny
New York City Police Department

Chief Joseph Kenny, has been a member of the New York City Police Department for over 32 years, joining the NYPD in June 1992 he began his career on patrol in the 32nd Precinct in Harlem. In 1997, he was promoted to sergeant, followed by promotions to lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2005, deputy inspector in 2011, inspector in 2014, deputy chief in 2016, and assistant chief in 2020. Chief Kenny has held posts in several major investigative units, including: The Narcotics Division, Firearms Suppression Section, Auto Crime, Detective Borough Queens South, Citywide Investigations, and most recently Chief of Detectives. Serving as commanding officer of these units Chief Kenny has extensive investigating experience. As commanding officer of The Auto Crime Unit, Borough, and Citywide investigative units, Chief Kenny's dedication and support to the prevention and investigation of auto theft and insurance fraud that has led to historic low auto theft rates, for over a decade. His leadership has supported numerous major criminal enterprise investigations. These investigations have led to the permanent dismantling of large-scale organized crime organizations dealing in auto theft and fraud. Since commanding the Auto Crime Division over a decade ago, Chief Kenny has sat on the board of The New York State Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Grant. The Board provides support for initiatives designed to reduce motor vehicle theft and motor vehicle insurance fraud. The Board also develops an annual plan to reduce motor vehicle theft and fraud statewide. Chief Kenny worked with multi-jurisdiction law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, DMV, NICB and Insurance companies to achieve maximum results in combatting auto theft through the MVTIF Grant. Chief Kenny's leadership as Commanding Officer in Auto Crime Unit and other investigative units are unparalleled in combating auto theft and insurance fraud. His position on the Board of the NYS MVT&IF grant for over a decade displays his dedication, support and contributions in the fight against auto theft and fraud is in total support of the mission of NYACT.


 CERTIFICATES OF MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT (Law Enforcement)
To recognize the efforts of investigation and fraud fighting by law enforcement personnel in the current year. Certificates will be awarded to one employee per Law Enforcement organization.

Detective Timothy Drake, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office 

Deputy Chief Investigator Joseph H. Medina, New York State Department of Financial Services Insurance Frauds Bureau

Nicholas Spataro, National Insurance Crime Bureau  

Assistant District Attorney James Bartens and Suffolk County Police Detective Mike Lavella, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office

New York City Police Department Fraudulent Collision Investigation Squad 
Lt. Charles Hyland
Sgt. Daisy Ramirez
Det. Dawn Sprague
Det. Maureen Stefenelli
Det. Michael Fahrbach
Det. James McCormack    

CERTIFICATES OF MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT (Member Insurance Companies)
To recognize the efforts of investigation and fraud fighting by insurance personnel in the current year. Certificates of Meritorious Achievement will be awarded to one employee per member Insurance Company.

Richard Cuccolo, Farmers

Elsy Farfan-Rocco, Nationwide

John Paul Gallo, Travelers

Joseph Guidice, NICB

Michelle Parisi, Liberty Mutual

Matthew Wolfman, Chubb

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