InfraGard Metro New York Alliance held the June Retail Security Briefing - ORC Organized Retail
Crime at Macy’s in Harold Square, New York, NY on June 16th 8am-3:30 pm
Access www.nym-infragard.us to register Agenda: download
Our distinguished panel of speakers:
- Keynote - FBI ADIC Joseph M. Demarest, Jr.
- Ret. Assistant Chief John Colgan, VP SecureWatch24
- Department of Homeland Security – Protection Security Advisor, Joe Tadrick
- Target Stores, Market Investigator - James Christian
- Department of Homeland Security ICE - William McCleod
- FBI TFO - Mike Palermo
- Macy's - VP Central Investigations - Larry Sechuk & Manager-Organized Retail Crime - John Morris
- Jeweler’s Security Association – VP JSA , Robert Frank
The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that the loss to retailers has hit $30 billion annually which is caused
by Organized Retail Crime (ORC). Combine this significant loss with the public safety risk and tax impact, ORC is
considered a major threat having a direct impact on our economy.
Attendees for this conference included public and private security executives, crime analysts, investigators, CSO’s,
Security Directors and Managers from the Retail, Hospitality, Commercial and Corporate Sectors. This was an open
meeting for InfraGard. To join InfraGard, please complete the online registration form, print it out and mail it to the
FBI Filed Office in your city. SA Maryann Goldman who serves as our FBI Coordinator for the NY Alliances.
Contact: Event Coordinator – Laurie Venditti, VP Regional Communications – InfraGard National Members Alliance at
917-596-3037 email venditti@partnerforsecurity.com
A very special thank you goes out to the security professionals from both public and private sectors for their support,
trend analysis and information sharing which has contributed to the development of this conference:
Thomas Nicpon – ASAC – FBI New York Field Office
Maryann Goldman – SA – FBI
Larry Sechuk – VP Central Investigations – Macy’s
Sean Huggins – District Loss Prevention Manager – Rite Aid
James LaRocca – Target Investigations
Brett Szrejna – Target Investigations
James Christian – Target Market Investigations
Regina Holecek, President of the LI chapter of ASIS
Joseph LaRocca - National Retail Federation - LP - Joint Organized Retail Crime Task Force
Rhett Asher – National Retail Federation - VP of LP
Agenda
8-8:30am – Continental Breakfast – provided by Macy’s
8:30am Welcome – Larry Sechuk, VP Central Investigations - Macy’s, Joe Concannon, President
Infragard Metro New York Alliance & SA Maryann Goldman, FBI/InfraGard Coordinator
8:45 am Keynote – Joseph M. Demarest, Jr.– AD FBI NYC
9:15 am – 10:00 am John Colgan – Ret Chief – CounterTerrorism – SecureWatch24
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 am –11:00 DHS - PSA -Joe Tadrick, Protective Security Advisor - NYCU.S. Dept of Homeland
Security- Protective Security identify and prioritize US critical infrastructure and key resources and
to protect them from terrorist attacks.
11:00 am - noon – Target – ORC – James Christian –Market Investigator/TARGET Philadelphia
Investigations Team (task force case review - blacked out from broadcast)
Noon Lunch Break – Provided by Macy’s
1:00pm- 2:00pm – Cargo & Retail Theft - the connection to terrorism financing William McLeod, DHS
ICE & TFO Mike Palermo FBI,
2:00pm – 2:45 pm Jewelers' Security Alliance - Robert W. Frank, CPP, NYPD (Ret). VP JSA (inner circle
NYC) Crime Cases DVD’s
2:45pm – 3:15 pm –John T. Morris , Manager – Organized Retail Crime – Macy’s Divisional Security
– Closing remarks/wrapup – Joe Concannon
Keynote - Joseph M. Demarest, Jr.– AD FBI NYC
Bio: Mr. Demarest entered on duty as a special agent with the FBI in 1988. Upon completion of training at the FBI
Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to the Anchorage Division, where he investigated white collar crime,
drug, violent crime, and foreign counterintelligence cases. In 1990, he was transferred to the New York Division, where
he was assigned to a Colombian drug squad. He was promoted to squad Supervisor in 1999, and was selected as the
SWAT Team Leader. In 2000, he was selected to serve as the Drug Branch's Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge
(ASAC).
After 9/11, Mr. Demarest was selected as one of two Shift Commanders for the PENTTBOM investigation. In that
position, he led an ad hoc task force of over 400 federal, state, and local investigators from over 40 agencies to address
the more than 5,500 PENTTBOM-related leads daily.
Mr. Demarest was promoted to Unit Chief at FBI Headquarters in 2002, where he served in the International Terrorism
Operations Section (ITOS). In 2003, he was promoted to Assistant Section Chief of ITOS. He later served as an Acting
Section Chief in ITOS until he was promoted to management positions in the International Terrorism Branch for the New
York Division, ultimately becoming SAC for Counterterrorism. He served in that role until early 2008.
Mr. Demarest was employed as a Deputy Sheriff with the Hillsborough County, Florida, Sheriff's Office for five years
prior to joining the FBI.
Larry Sechuk, Vice President – Central Investigations - Macy’s - Welcome
Larry has been employed in the private security sector for the past 32 years. He currently holds the positions of Vice President of
Central Investigations for Macy's Inc. He is responsible for managing and directing the central investigation groups and their
efforts to identify patterns of internal dishonest in the new Macy's Inc organization. Additionally Larry directs security operations for
Macy's Inc.organization's large scale public events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 4th of July Fireworks and the
Macy's Fashion Event known as Glamorama to mention a few.
Larry also directs and manages protection efforts for key company executives. He is responsible for the company's Law
Enforcement Outreach program at the local, state and federal levels. Through his involvement in this outreach program, he has
been successful with coordinating company efforts with law enforcement to identify and close down several organized theft rings
and merchandise fencing operations in New York City. Larry has also had extensive training in dealing with work place violence
and has been a member of the company's work place violence review committee.
Prior to his current position Larry was Regional Vice President of security for the Macy's Flag Ship Store at Herald Square and for
the New York Metro Stores for 10 years. He has also held several positions within the Macy's Loss Prevention group where he
handled company inventory and internal audit efforts. Larry's past responsibility also includes Managing and Directing Macy's
Central Alarm and Emergency Notification Center. With this responsibility Larry developed a vast amount of knowledge in alarm
and CCTV technology as well as directing company efforts in handling crisis situations.
Larry is regarded as a motivator and a developer of people and has consulted with a number of training and motivational experts in
contributing to developing new techniques and strategies to develop and motivate employees. He has volunteered his time to
lecture youth athletic organizations, coaches and parents on player motivation strategies and techniques Larry is a graduate of
Temple University and is a active member of Temple's Alumni.
He is active in his community and has worked with local city government to develop youth activity for city youth. Larry has coached
youth ice hockey for the past 15 years and holds a USA Hockey Coaching Accreditation as a Level 5, Master Coach.
Joseph Concannon, President Infragard Metro New York Alliance - Welcome
Bio: Joe has a distinguished law enforcement career in New York Police Department, Administration of former NYC Mayor Rudy
Giuliani -- Deputy Director Public Safety, Mayor’s Office of Operations – operational/budget oversight, NYC Mayor’s Management
Report, NY Taxi and Limousine Commission, Deputy Commissioner Uniform Services Division, NYC Emergency Management
Oversight, NYC Emergency Response Team Coordinator (senior executive staff).
As the Founder and CEO of InfraGard Metro New York, Joe’s priority is to expand the influence of the InfraGard program
throughout all levels of government and the private sector, to help them protect their agencies and companies, thus their city, state
and nation.
“At InfraGard, we see complacency as a key challenge. Companies and agencies have to invest in their strategic interest as
ongoing concerns; whether it’s policies, plans and procedures that get evaluated; identification of core functions; understanding
their baseline operations; conducting risk assessments and budgeting accordingly. Ideally, strong leadership from management
will solve some of the issues, however millions of workers will thrive -- and so will their companies and agencies -- if everyone is
engaged collectively.
Joe holds a bachelors degree in government and public administration and masters in public administration, both from John Jay
College of Criminal Justice, NYC
Maryann Goldman FBI Special Agent and InfraGard Coordinator - Welcome
Bio: Ms. Maryann Goldman has been a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 1991. During her 17+ years
with the FBI, SA Goldman has coordinated and participated in numerous criminal and National Security investigations while
working out of the FBI's flagship office in New York. Arriving at the New York Field Office in 1991, SA Goldman worked on
background investigations of Federal Employees and Presidential Appointees until being assigned to the Organized Crime Unit in
1993. From 1993 until 1997, SA Goldman investigated members and associates of the Colombo Organized Crime Family
operating out of New York, Long Island, and New Jersey.
In 1997, SA Goldman transferred to the National Security Division as the lead Under Cover Agent. The intelligence gathered by SA
Goldman pursuant to this operation assisted numerous US operations nationally and overseas. SA Goldman received an award
from the National Security Agency for her contributions to National Security. In 2000, SA Goldman returned to the Criminal
Division, and continued her investigation of Organized Crime Matters out of the FBI's White Plains Resident Agency. From 2000
through 2008, SA Goldman was the lead Case Agent on investigations of Organized Crime members. Also during this time, SA
Goldman initiated and led an unprecedented international investigation of Organized Crime's participation in international money
laundering and exploitation of the US banking and financial systems. As a result of these investigations, SA Goldman arrested
and indicted numerous members and associates of Organized Crime and their co-conspirators in the financial sector in the US
and overseas. For this investigation, SA Goldman was nominated for the Attorney General's Award, and received a number of
awards from local law enforcement agencies for partnerships created with their departments. In October of 2008, SA Goldman
transferred to the Intelligence Division to serve as one of two InfraGard Coordinators in the New York Office.
John Colgan – (ret) Assistant Chief – CounterTerrorism-SecureWatch24 – A Retail Approach to Threat Reduction/Infrastructure
Protection
Topic:
1.) The need for major retail outfits to set up a business "roundtable" with federal, state and local law enforcement in every major
jurisdiction where such collaborations are possible/desirable;
2.) The need for NRF and other industry leaders to provide professionally delivered training to local law enforcement on the
existence of Organized Retail Crime; its practitioners’' methodologies; industry efforts and methods to combat it; and law
enforcement's opportunities to positively impact the condition;
3.) The need for the retail industry to demonstrate its commitment to effective self-help before engaging budget-strapped criminal
justice agencies for meaningful relief;
4.) The benefits of regional Industry/Local Law Enforcement Fusion Centers/Business Intelligence Centers;
5.) Elements of building a solid criminal case from Identification - Investigation - Apprehension – Post Apprehension
Investigation & Debriefing - Prosecution.
Bio: John, a 28-year veteran of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), retired in 2008 at the rank of Assistant Chief. In his
last assignment within the NYPD, he served as Commanding Officer of the Counterterrorism Bureau, overseeing the Joint
Terrorism Task Force and all Citywide Counterterrorism Initiatives within the purview of the NYPD. Additionally, John led all risk
assessment, threat reduction/infrastructure protection and counterterrorism training activities for the department.
Joe Tadrick, Protective Security Advisor - NYCU.S. Dept of Homeland Security
Topic: The Protective Security Advisor (PSA) Program and Preparation for an Active Shooter Event.
Bio: Mr. Joe Tadrick has been assigned to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Infrastructure Protection Directorate,
Protective Security Division, Protective Security Advisor (PSA) program with duty station at the United States Secret Service Field
Office in Brooklyn, NY since January 2005.
Mr. Tadrick has had extensive training in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and has been considered a subject matter expert
by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) regarding Counterterrorism (CT) and Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) issues.
Mr. Tadrick joined the PSA program after performing duties as a Senior Watch Officer at the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC). His position in the HSOC was responsible for providing National Level
Intelligence support regarding Critical Infrastructure (CI) issues and developing threats related to Homeland Security. He
developed high level CI products to assist the management of DHS in assessing vulnerabilities and risk.
Mr. Tadrick is currently a Naval Reserve Officer attached to the HUMINT support Detachment. His career in the Naval Reserves
has been spent in support of Joint Special Operations and HUMINT collection. Mr. Tadrick is a certified Department of Defense
Strategic Debriefer; some of his other certifications include; Homeland Security Specialist Level III (ACFEI), instructor for MSC
Antiterrorism Officer Level I/Level II, instructor for MOPP and instructor of Level I/Level II AT/FP Training.
Mr. Tadrick served on active duty at Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) as a senior intelligence analyst for CT /
WMD. He supported a CNO Priority One Joint Special Operations Command. Mr. Tadrick had a major responsibility for analysis of
CBRNE, Terrorist Orgs and Delivery methods.
He was also detailed to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), as a DIA Operations Officer, WMD Subject Matter Expert. While
at the JTTF Mr. Tadrick was tasked with providing National Level Intelligence regarding International Terrorism Threats. He
developed high level Intelligence reports regarding threats related to Homeland Security with special emphasis on Weapons of
Mass Destruction/Counter Proliferation (WMD/CP) issues. Mr. Tadrick also acted as a liaison for DIA/FBI/JTTF to the NJ Military
Mega-Base Group and was responsible for working with Other Government Agencies/ Other Defense Agencies (OGA/ODA)
regarding Counter Terrorism and WMD/CP issues
Mr. Tadrick holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Rutgers University, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in
Management from Long Island University and is currently pursing on a Masters of Science Strategic Intelligence (MSSI) from the
Joint Military Intelligence College (JMIC) at the DIA, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Tadrick is married with three children.
Kevin C. Peterson – DHS Protective Security Advisor (PSA) for the New York District
Kevin Peterson currently serves as the Protective Security Advisor (PSA) for the New York District, which includes New York City,
Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam Counties. Mr. Peterson supports homeland security efforts, serving
in an advising and reach-back capacity for the State Homeland Security Advisor. He contributes to the development of the national
risk picture by assisting with the identification, assessment, monitoring, and minimizing of risk to critical assets at the local level.
As a PSA, Mr. Peterson facilitates, coordinates, and performs vulnerability assessments for local critical infrastructures and
assets, and acts as a physical and technical security advisor to Federal, State, and local law enforcement and emergency
management agencies.
Prior to joining the PSA Program, Mr. Peterson was on Active Duty with the United States Coast Guard since September 11th,
2001, serving initially as the Law Enforcement Officer and Maritime Homeland Security Watch Supervisor, and later as Chief of the
Enforcement Division at Coast Guard Sector New York. In that capacity, he managed four small boat stations, seven Coast
Guard Cutters, two Aid to Navigation units and the Sector Security Boarding Teams. His responsibilities included Search and
Rescue, Ice Breaking, Aids to Navigation, Law Enforcement and Ports and Waterways Coastal Security. He oversaw programs
specific to threat vulnerability and critical infrastructure assessments, developed plans to minimize risks to key resources and
worked with federal, state and local law enforcement and intelligence agencies to enhance the security of the port of New York.
He was also the Co-Chairman of the Maritime Sub-Committee of the Securing the Cities Initiative, a congressionally funded
radiation detection pilot program aimed at protecting the New York City region from a terrorist nuclear or radiation attack. During
his 32 year Coast Guard Reserve career, Mr. Peterson served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, as the Intelligence (N-2) Officer
for the Captain of the Port and Commander Coast Guard Forces New York.
Mr. Peterson began his security and emergency preparedness career in 1967 when he joined the New York City Police
Department. In 1980 he was assigned to the uniformed security detail, responsible for security at Gracie Mansion, the official
residence of the Mayor of New York City. In 1982 he was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Public Security Section of the
Intelligence Division where he was a liaison with the diplomatic community, responsible for the safety and security of Foreign
Consulates and Missions to the United Nations, as well as visiting foreign and domestic dignitaries including the President of the
United States. He also conducted investigations into both foreign and domestic terrorist organizations often working with other
large U.S. city and foreign law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Mr. Peterson obtained an A.S. in Police Science and a B. S. in Criminal Justice Administration and Planning from John Jay
College of Criminal Justice. He was awarded the New York Law School NYPD Scholarship in 1980 and obtained his Juris Doctor
degree in 1984.
Mr. Peterson currently lives in East Islip, New Jersey with his wife Laura and daughter, Christine.
James Christian –Market Investigator/TARGET Philadelphia Investigations Team
Topic: In November 2008, a task force in Camden County (NJ), completed the 8 month long investigation and broke up an
organized retail theft ring. Six (6) bodegas were raided, 14 arrests were made and over $100,000 in merchandise was recovered.
This case also set the precedent for being the first to prosecute under an ORT Bill passed in 2006, 2C:20-11.2, which is a charge
of a Leader of an Organized Retail Theft Enterprise. (Blocked from Live Video Broadcast)
Bio: James is a graduate from The Ohio State University with a BA in Criminology. For the past 4 years he has been employed at
Target holding a store executive position for 2 years before being promoted into his current role as a Market Investigator covering
SE Pennsylvania, Delaware and South Jersey .
William McLeod, DHS ICE and Mike Palermo FBI - TFO
Topic: Cargo & Retail Theft - The Connection to Terrorism Financing
BIO Mr. McLeod entered on duty as a support employee with the FBI in New York City in 1979. He was assigned to the Bank Fraud
and Embezzlement Squad and the Bank Robbery Task.
In 1980 Mr. McLeod transferred to the United States Border Patrol, as a Patrol Agent, serving for four years on the South West
border in the San Diego California area. Mr. McLeod was the Sector Recruiting Agent during 1983 and 1984 earning recognition
for having the most successful recruiting drive in the San Diego sector.
In 1984 Mr. McLeod transferred to the Immigration and Naturalizations Service, Office of Investigations, New York as a Special
Agent. Mr. McLeod served there for four years, serving as their Post Academy Law and Spanish Instructor and their Firearms
Instructor. Mr. McLeod received several commendations for investigations conducted while assigned to the INS.
In 1987 Mr. Mcleod transferred to the United States Customs Service, Office of Investigations, Newark office as a Special Agent.
Mr. Mcleod conducted Maritime narcotics investigations resulting in the seizure of thousands of pounds of pure cocaine and the
arrest and conviction of several drug traffickers. In 1999, Mr. McLeod was detailed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark’s
Interstate Theft Task Force/Violent Crime Major Offender group. During this time, Mr. McLeod conducted numerous Cargo Theft
investigations that had international implications. While detailed to the FBI, Mr. McLeod was tasked with assisting with the
PENTTBOM investigation. Mr. McLeod returned to the United States Customs Service, Office of Investigations in 2002 as the Port
Security Director for Investigations. In 2003 the United States Customs Service was incorporated into the Department of
Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mr. Mcleod was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent in 2008. Mr.
Mcleod is an adjunct Professor, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York instructing on Maritime Security
Threats, Cargo Theft and Anti Terrorism initiatives.
Mr. McLeod is a State of New Jersey, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice, Police Training
Commission, certified Instructor. Mr. Mcleod graduated Cum Laude in 1987 from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York,
New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Science. In 2006 Mr. Mcleod received the National Law Enforcement Award
from the International Cargo Security Council, as the Law Enforcement Officer of the year.
And
Bio: Michael Palermo, Detective Port Authority NY/NJ Police, FBI Task Force Officer 21 Years Law Enforcement, 12 Years
FBI/Newark Division Interstate Theft / Violent Crime Task Force Certified FBI /Police Instructor, FBI Instructor Interview and
Interrogation Certifications for : FBI Interview and Interrogation, FBI Crisis Negotiation, FBI Major Theft, FBI Auto Crimes, NYPD
Crime Prevention and Security Surveys, NCSC Security Management, Reid Interview and Interrogation., Member ICSC Board of
Directors , Police instructions at NJ Police Academies and Guest speaker/Instructor for various organizations nationally and
internationally. 16 years Port Authority Police NY/NJ- Port, Cargo crime investigations Worked various commands NY, NJ ,
Trained Airport Crash Fire Rescue --- Assigned to JFK and Newark Airport/ Crash Rescue and Crime Prevention unit, 5 Years
Hudson County Sheriff's Department (Investigations, warrant squad). Mr. Palermo holds a BA Rutgers University Political Science/
Business.
John T. Morris , Manager – Organized Retail Crime – Macy’s Divisional Security
Topic: Organized Retail Crime's impact to Macy's. How are retailers communicating and how is Law Enforcement addressing
ORC nationally
Bio: Born and raised in Northern Virginia, John began his career as a Security Supervisor with the FBI in Washington DC. He
received an A.A.S Degree in Criminal Justice before spending 2 years as a licensed Private Investigator working Insurance Fraud
and Domestic Investigations.
John joined Macys Security in 1996 as a Store Detective, holding positions as a Staff Lead, Regional Investigator, Security
Manager, District Security Director and Regional Trainer. During his 13 years with Macy’s, he has been awarded the “Security
Director of the Year” and “Regional Investigator of the Year”.
John’s recent commitment to tracking local Organized Crime activity in Northern Virginia, DC & Maryland, led to the creation of his
new position within Macy’s.
John works closely with Federal, State, and local Law Enforcement, Retailers, Private Organizations and Retail Federations,
conducting ORC investigations and training.
Robert W. Frank, CPP, NYPD (Ret). VP JSA (inner circle NYC)
Topic: Organized Crime in the Jewelry Industry – Crime Analysis & Prevention
Bob Frank is the Vice President of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance. His responsibilities include management of the JSA Crime
Section, crime analysis, crime prevention training, and worldwide liaison with law enforcement.
Prior to joining the JSA in 1992, Bob had assignments within the law enforcement community spanning more than 30 years. He is
a former Homicide Detective with the New York City Police Department, a Special Agent with the New York State Commission of
Investigation, and a Deputy Inspector General with the New York City Department of Investigation.
Bob is also coauthor of the JSA publication, “Manual of Jewelry Security,” and articles he has written regarding jewelry industry
security have appeared in all of the major jewelry industry publications.”
Retail Security Briefing – ORC - Event Coordinator – Laurie Venditti, VP Regional Communications – InfraGard National
Members Alliance, member – Metro New York Alliance
Bio: Laurie serves as the VP of Regional Communications for the National Board of InfraGard where she is charged as the Board
Liaison to the 6 Regional Representatives nationwide who collaborate with the 86 Alliances/30,000 members of InfraGard. She is
a proud member of the New York Metro Alliance of InfraGard since 2003. Laurie is an Associate of Archer Schoen & Associates, a
business consulting firm under the direction of Chuck Archer who retired from the FBI in 1998 as the ADIC of Criminal Justice
Information Systems (CJIS). Laurie has over 25 years experience in technology integration and security solution deployments.
She serves as Information Systems Committee Chair for the National Law Enforcement Associates and lives in New York City.