2026 Workshop Descriptions

Session 1 –  Cybercrime in Everyday Life: Decisions, Habits, and Risks

Cybercrime is no longer a distant threat — it is a daily reality confronting law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and criminal justice professionals. From phishing and ransomware to identity theft and account takeovers, digital offenses increasingly intersect with nearly every type of case you handle. This session examines common cyber threats through real-world investigations and behavior-focused scenarios, highlighting how offenders operate, exploit vulnerabilities, and conceal their tracks. Participants will gain a stronger understanding of offender tactics, emerging trends, and practical strategies to enhance case assessment, victim response, and organizational cybersecurity awareness — strengthening both personal resilience and professional effectiveness in an increasingly digital landscape.

Bast Schellhorn, Program Specialist, Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center

Session 2 – Trusted to Heal, Chose to Harm: Sexual Assault in the Exam Room

In 2020, Kory Gill was a renowned sports medicine physician. As the head team physician for Texas A&M Athletics, Gill was trusted by colleagues, patients, and the community. This facade of professionalism came crashing down in late 2021, when patients started coming forward describing how Dr. Gill used the guise of medical treatment to sexually abuse and assault vulnerable women. When survivors came forward, much of the community found it hard to believe that such a beloved figure was actually a sexual predator. This presentation will tell the story of how medical treatment and the trust we place in medical professionals laid the groundwork for abuse by Dr. Gill. The presenters will document how Dr. Gill’s abuse came to light, obstacles that were overcome in the investigation into sexual assaults, and how prosecutors successfully sought justice for the survivors.

Brian Baker, First Assistant and Jessica Escue, Assistant District Attorney, Brazos County District Attorney’s Office

Session 3-When A Peace Officer Has No Peace: A Survivor’s Story of Abuse

This session will chronicle the real-life story of a peace officer’s abusive relationship with a fellow officer. The presentation will include details which led to her outcry, the criminal and internal investigations, the high-risk arrest, the criminal case resolution, and the civil proceedings which reinforced his termination.

Captain Christina Dail, Survivor, Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Kimberly Korrin (retired), Blue Opal Collective

Session 4 – The Role of a Crisis Canine During Crisis and Disasters

Crisis Response Canine (CRC) is dedicated to delivering professional canine handler teams that play a pivotal role in supporting communities, individuals and workplaces affected by crisis and disasters. The organization focuses on using evidence-based animal assisted interventions to promote resilience and offer comfort to those impacted by traumatic events. CRC Operational Deployment Teams have the capability to respond to national crisis events and all members are mandated to complete extensive training. CRC’s highly trained K9 teams are experienced in critical incident stress management and are certified to work effectively in crisis environments supporting those affected by mass shootings, large-scale accidents, violence, abuse, tragic death, suicides, terrorism, natural disasters and more. This workshop will give attendees a first-hand look at this organization and hear stories about K9 teams that have dedicated thousands of hours to being part of these community crisis events.

Jill Tribe, Texas Team Lead and Shawn Edwards, Team Member, Crisis Response Canines

Session 5 –  Beyond Just a Runaway: Understanding Root Causes, Risk Factors and Effective Investigation

This session will deal with the response to, and investigation of children who are reported as missing who are believed to have voluntarily left, commonly referred to as “runaways”. While these types of cases are sometimes viewed as simply “bad kids” from “bad families”, the truth is that many of these children are running from something or being enticed to run to a situation that places them at risk. Failure to properly assess risk factors and consider possible outcomes can result in missed opportunities for early intervention before these cases escalate. Collaboration between law enforcement and partner agencies is key in developing an overall consistent approach to these very important cases. The legal requirements of state and federal law will be examined and discussed as well as best practices related to initial response and follow-up investigation.

Charles Fleeger, Executive Director and Dee Murph, Case Manager, Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley

Session 6 –  Reluctant Victims: Trauma Bonds, Coercion, and the Challenge of Justice 

This session takes participants through a case study from the perspective of the Brazos Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. Join presenters as they discuss their involvement in a 2023 investigation that led to a criminal case with the outcome being the offender sentenced to 30 years in prison. Attendees will hear about the different stages of the investigation and collaborative efforts taken by law enforcement for the success of this case. Presenters will give insight into what the survivor faced and the reality of the abuse at the hands of her supposed romantic partner, all the while navigating the complexities of forced criminality and a lifetime of involvement in the criminal justice system. Hear about lessons learned and shared guidance in addressing human trafficking through a trauma informed and victim-centered approach. 

Gabriel Sifuentez, Human Trafficking Investigator, Brazos County Sheriff’s Office and Jocelyn Tahay, Survivor Advocate, Brazos Valley Human Trafficking Task Force

Sessions 7, 12, 17, and 22  – Inside the Investigation: The Jayme Closs Story

Part One

On October 15, 2018, 13-year-old Jayme Closs was abducted from her home in Barron County, Wisconsin, after her parents were murdered in a brutal attack that shocked the nation. What followed was an 88-day, high-stakes investigation involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working around the clock to find a missing child and bring a killer to justice. This powerful four-part session takes attendees inside the investigation that generated more than 3,000 leads from around the world. Participants will gain an in-depth look at how agencies coordinated resources, processed complex crime scenes, leveraged digital intelligence and DNA analysis, managed intense media scrutiny, and navigated the many unexpected twists that unfolded along the way. The course also examines the operational logistics required to sustain a long-term, multi-agency investigation. The session culminates with Jayme’s heroic escape on January 10, 2019, and the rapid law enforcement response that followed — including processing the suspect’s residence, conducting critical interviews, reunification efforts, and preparing for prosecution. Attendees will also explore courtroom strategy, security logistics, discovery challenges, and public records considerations.

This is more than a case review — it is a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes examination of collaboration, resilience, investigative strategy, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Joe Welsch, Retired Special Agent, Wisconsin Department of Justice- Division of Criminal Investigation and Jeffrey Nelson, Detective, Barron County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin

Session 8- Do No Harm: Power, Exploitation and the Michael Ray Hubacek Jr. Case

Part One

Step into the unsettling story of Michael Ray Hubacek Jr., convicted of Intoxication Manslaughter in 1997. After serving his sentence, Hubacek reinvented himself in the Houston area, opening a network of sober living houses and promoting himself as a symbol of criminal justice reform. But behind the carefully crafted image, prosecutors allege he was sexually exploiting and victimizing vulnerable female clients who had turned to him for help. This two-part session takes you deep inside the investigation that exposed the abuse, the survivors who bravely came forward, and the significant legal and emotional barriers they faced while navigating the criminal justice system.

This session offers a candid look at accountability, survivor-centered prosecution, and the complexities of pursuing justice when power and manipulation are at the center of the case.

James Gordon, Assistant District Attorney and Jamie Burro, Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney’s Office; Luke Baty, United States Attorney’s Office and 

Barbara Phillips, Assistant District Attorney, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office 

Session 9 – Understanding Protective Orders in Texas

Protective orders in Texas play a critical role in safeguarding victims of violence by providing immediate legal protection and enforceable boundaries against further harm. This session will train professionals about the types of protective orders available under Texas law, including recent legislative updates and how these orders can improve survivor safety. Topics will include protective orders for family violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking and emergency situations. 

Amanda Oder, Chief Advocacy and Education Officer and Bronwyn Blake, Chief Legal Officer, Texas Advocacy Project

Session 10 – When They Take It Back: Recantations in Child Sexual Abuse 

The complexity of child sexual abuse may involve significant factors that influence victims to be uncooperative, even in a short amount of time from when the incident took place. What is critical is understanding dynamics that increase the likelihood of recantation or reluctance from a victim to better identify those factors and understand how to thoughtfully respond to them. This knowledge and reaction is imperative for an appropriate response that continues to seek justice and integrate appropriate services for the individual. This session includes activity-based discussions to explore this critical topic.

Lindsey Dula, Founder, National Forensic Interviewing Network

Session 11 – Lessons From the Front Lines: What Crime Victims Have Taught Us

Drawing on more than two decades of prosecuting criminal cases, this presentation reflects on the powerful lessons learned from victims throughout the justice process. While legal outcomes often focus on charges, evidence, and verdicts, victims’ experiences reveal deeper insights about trauma, resilience, communication, and the impact of the justice system on those it is meant to serve. Through real-world observations and themes that emerged over 20+ years in the courtroom, this session explores what victims have taught prosecutors, law enforcement, and professionals working within the criminal justice system. The presentation will highlight key lessons about listening, trust, dignity, and the importance of victim-centered approaches in prosecution. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of victims’ perspectives, common challenges they face during criminal proceedings, and practical ways professionals can improve support, communication, and outcomes for those affected by crime.

Kara Comte, Assistant District Attorney, Brazos County 

Session 13 – Do No Harm: Power, Exploitation and the Michael Ray Hubacek Jr. Case

Part Two

Step into the unsettling story of Michael Ray Hubacek Jr., convicted of Intoxication Manslaughter in 1997. After serving his sentence, Hubacek reinvented himself in the Houston area, opening a network of sober living houses and promoting himself as a symbol of criminal justice reform. But behind the carefully crafted image, prosecutors allege he was sexually exploiting and victimizing vulnerable female clients who had turned to him for help. This two-part session takes you deep inside the investigation that exposed the abuse, the survivors who bravely came forward, and the significant legal and emotional barriers they faced while navigating the criminal justice system.

This session offers a candid look at accountability, survivor-centered prosecution, and the complexities of pursuing justice when power and manipulation are at the center of the case.

James Gordon, Assistant District Attorney and Jamie Burro, Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney’s Office; Luke Baty, United States Attorney’s Office and 

Barbara Phillips, Assistant District Attorney, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office

Session 14 – Know It. See It. Stop It. When Prevention Meets Practice

For decades, education around interpersonal violence has continued to evolve; yet many self-defense programs have evolved separately, often focusing solely on physical techniques. While learning how to fight can be empowering, it does not on its own address the broader realties of interpersonal violence including consent, boundaries, escalation and prevention. This presentation explores whether the disciplines of martial arts and violence prevention can be intentionally integrated. Participants will learn how to bridge the gap between physical self-defense skills and evidence-based interpersonal violence education. Attendees will learn how to create a more comprehensive and realistic approach to personal safety that they can pass down to their clients and others.

Dmitri Westbrook, Martial Arts Instructor, Brazos Valley Mixed Martial Arts

Session 15 – Stalking 2.0: The Use of Technology to Stalk

Stalkers are creative criminals who use – and misuse- a variety of technologies to locate, surveil, and monitor their victims. This session will address the common technologies utilized by stalkers. We will discuss evidence preservation concerns and attendees will learn how to identify effective safety planning strategies for victims and survivors of stalking violence.

Kendra Eggleston, Training and Campus Specialist, Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center

Session 16 – Letting Them Know Without Letting Them Down: Effective Conversations with Sexual Assault Survivors

The moments following a sexual assault disclosure can shape a survivor’s path to healing — and the strength of a criminal case. This interactive workshop is designed specifically for criminal justice professionals who want to sharpen their communication skills while upholding ethical standards and trauma-informed practices. Participants will explore what to say — and what not to say — when working with survivors of sexual assault. The session will examine professional ethical obligations, the scope of services provided by victim-centered organizations, and how to collaborate effectively without overpromising or causing unintended harm. Attendees will gain tools for trauma-informed communication, building rapport, and conducting victim-centered interviews that preserve dignity while strengthening investigations. We will also address common challenges, including working with survivors who appear reluctant, minimize abuse, delay disclosure, or recant — and how to respond in ways that maintain trust and case integrity.

Tiffany Larsen, Assistant District Attorney, Brazos County, Daniel Amaya, Detective, Bryan Police Department and Gregory Blankenship, Detective, Bryan Police Department

Session 18 – A Single Night, A Lost Life: The Nicholas Wuthrich Case

In the early morning hours of August 22, 2019, a night of barhopping ended in tragedy when Nicholas Wuthrich struck Harold Moore’s vehicle at 60 mph, killing him. Nearly five years later, a jury sentenced Wuthrich to 10 years in prison. This case study walks attendees through the investigation and prosecution of an intoxication manslaughter case built on surveillance footage, crash reconstruction, field sobriety testing, blood warrant evidence and expert retrograde extrapolation testimony. Prosecutors also introduced punishment evidence demonstrating the defendant’s prior alcohol-related conduct and formal training on the dangers of impaired driving. Participants will gain insight into evidentiary strategy, charging and punishment themes, and the power of multi-agency collaboration among patrol, crash investigators, TABC, forensic labs, fire departments, and prosecutors to secure justice for the victim and his family.

Kristin Burns, Texas District and County Attorney’s Association and Brian Baker, First Assistant District Attorney, Brazos County

Session 19 – Strangulation: Talking, Walking and Still at Risk

Some of the highest-risk victims of strangulation look calm, have no obvious injuries and minimize what happened – making them easy to misjudge during the initial response. This workshop will focus on how strangulation presents in the field when a visible injury is absent or delayed. Using local data and forensic practice insights, participants will learn how assumptions and scene interpretation errors impact risk assessment and downstream outcomes. Attendees will be provided with a practical step-by-step field guide addressing what questions to ask, what subtle symptoms and behaviors matter, how to document findings accurately and how to clearly communicate the need for a medical forensic exam. Case examples and realistic scenarios will demonstrate how small changes in assessment, documentation, and hand-offs to medical providers can significantly improve victim safety, medical evaluation and investigative outcomes.

Crystal Conner, Forensic Nursing Coordinator and Chelsea Knutson, Forensic Education and Outreach Specialist, Baylor Scott and White Health

Session 20 – Beyond Predominant Aggressor: Understanding Upside-Down DV Cases 

Despite greater awareness of the concepts in determining a predominant aggressor, investigators and prosecutors continue to arrest and charge true victims of domestic violence every day. Presenters will showcase what an “upside-down” case is, what it means to be a true victim, how these cases present differently, and ways to avoid these types of cases entirely. Attendees will be offered sustainable tools to improve the on-scene and follow-up investigations. Learners will be offered tools to recognize when an upside-down case has been filed, strategies for how to handle these types of cases, and guidance for policy implications and considerations.

Laura Gorman, Assistant County Attorney, Travis County and Detective Kimberly Korrin (retired), Blue Opal Collective        

Session 21 – Becoming the Secondary Abuser: Addressing Victim Recantation

Victim recantation can quickly complicate even the strongest domestic violence cases. This interactive workshop explores why victims recant, how those changes affect investigations and prosecutions, and how prosecutors and investigators should respond. Attendees will hear about different perspectives and experiences related to these cases as well as discuss common reasons victims recant and the impact on case strategy. The session will also address the difficult question of whether victims should face charges such as false report or perjury—and the potential consequences of doing so. The workshop concludes with a case study on State of Texas vs. Elijah Jones, demonstrating how prosecutors successfully navigated credibility challenges and a victim’s criminal history to move the case forward.

Tonika Davis, Assistant District Attorney and Jessica Escue, Assistant District Attorney, Brazos County

Session 23 – The Little Girl in the Van

A broken-down van. A hidden child. Seven years of captivity no one knew existed.

In 2024, good Samaritans made a discovery in a store parking lot that unraveled a shocking case of long-term confinement and manipulation. This compelling case study takes you inside the investigation of a young girl’s seven-year captivity at the hands of her mother, Felisha, and self-styled missionary Brother Knight — and the relentless work that led to their prosecution and conviction. Hear directly from the attorneys who tried the case as they share how they navigated a uniquely complex victim story, managed the challenges of reunification, and guided the case through trial. This session offers an inside look at strategy, resilience, and the pursuit of justice in one of the most extraordinary cases of recent years.

Benjamin Kaminar, First Assistant District Attorney and Erin Lewis, Assistant District Attorney, Lamar County and District Attorney’s Office

Session 24 – How Trauma Impacts Communication

Communicating with those who have experienced trauma can be challenging. Trauma can even rewire our brains, which changes the fundamental way that we see the world. How does trauma impact us and our ability to communicate? What mechanisms in the brain get triggered and how does that affect what we do, say, think, and feel? This session will address those challenges and give attendees solutions for working with victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system that has been affected by trauma.

Vicki Alger, Training Program Administrator and Joseph Pelletier, Associate Professor of Psychology, Gulf Coast Consortia, Rice University