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Julie Brand

"Female Sex Offenders: Understanding the Dynamics and                           

Supporting Survivors”

Female perpetrators rarely abuse children who they do not know. They typically gain access to their victims through on-going trusted relationships. The victims are their own daughters and sons, other relatives, their students or their neighbors’ children. Yet our society still denies that women perpetrate sexual abuse. Ignorance and minimization of the problem impede victims’ opportunities for intervention and healing. 

This unique workshop shines a spotlight on female offenders and their victims. Mother-daughter sexual abuse especially occurs undetected. We’ll examine the complex mother-daughter incestuous relationship—the subtle, yet intentional violations of normal mother-child boundaries, covert and overt abuse and the psychological manipulations used to silence victims. These “pre-disposed offenders” usually act alone but we will also share examples of mothers who co-offend with their male partners.

Attendees will learn ways to include mothers as potential perpetrators in sexual abuse investigations. Recent cases of the successful prosecutions of female offenders will be shared. We’ll close with a look at the unique challenges that male victims of female offenders often experience.
 

This dynamic program is both research-based and survivor-informed. The presenter is an experienced counselor and the resilient survivor of mother-daughter sexual abuse.

Jennifer Spry

Jen Spry appeared to be happy, but secrets from her childhood haunted her. It was through a life changing event that she finally stopped "running" from her past. Bravely, she decided to face her childhood and in doing so she became determined to prevent her childhood experience from happening to other children. She was sex trafficked at 8 years old by a stranger who moved in next door to her. This went on for years without anyone knowing it was happening. She was never rescued and no one intervened. It was very hard journey, but surviving was worth it. Today Jen has dedicated her life to protecting children through her work in training others how to identify and respond to victims. By breaking the silence, she has found healing and restoration for her life. Today she has found her purpose and her passion.                             

Special Agent Jeffrey Stiff

Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG):  Through the utilization of DNA and genealogy resources, the FBI is working with local law enforcement agencies in applying new techniques to unsolved criminal cases.  FGG has proven successful in identifying rape and homicide suspects, and brought long awaited closure to victims and their families.

Dr Jim Tanner

This presentation will focus attendees’ attention on the cognitive set of the intrafamilial and position of trust sex offender. We will discuss sex offenders' perceptions, ideation, grooming strategies and cognitive processes. Current trends in digital behavior of sex offenders will be examined. In addition, we will discuss how investigators can provide critical information to downstream supervising agencies. In conclusion, we will examine the mistakes we make when dealing with sex offenders in any capacity. We will also explore aspects of sex offenders often overlooked by those involved in their cases and will discuss problems with the way our justice system approaches finding, convicting, and supervising them. 

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Understanding Child Abductions

Presented by: FBI SSA Alicia McShane & FBI SSA Jennifer Waterfield

This course provides a basic understanding of child abductions, the importance of victimology, and how these investigations differ from other types of crimes.  Statistics from the BAU 3’s child abduction research will be applied during this course to emphasize that as children age, the motivations, offenders, and characteristics change.  Application of this knowledge can assist law enforcement in its investigations of these cases.  Additionally, the key components of the FBI’s Child Abduction Response Plan (CARP) will be highlighted.   

The Jayme Closs Abduction: A Behavioral Perspective

Presented by: Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, FBI SSA Alicia McShane & FBI SSA Jennifer Waterfield

In October of 2018, 13-year-old Jayme Closs was abducted from her rural Wisconsin home after her parents were shot and killed by an unknown subject; she escaped after 88 days in captivity and was rescued by a good Samaritan.  This case study focuses on the perspective of the Sheriff of Barron County, WI and the two FBI SSA’s (Profilers) who deployed to WI in support of this case.  Investigative, media and behavioral components of the case will be discussed.  In addition, the unique challenges faced by law enforcement during this double homicide/ long-term child abduction investigation, as well as lessons learned will be presented.