With federal funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), the Maine Department of Public Safety has established a new statewide Elder Justice Investigator position to help address the rising and often complex crimes targeting Maine’s older adults. 

Kennebunk Police Officer Candice Simeoni has been selected to serve in this new role. With experience in law enforcement and a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, Simeoni will work with departments across Maine to enhance elder justice investigations, to strengthen the identification, investigation, and prosecution of elder abuse and exploitation cases, according to a news release from the Maine Dept. of Public Safety.

The Elder Justice Investigator will: 

• Provide case mentorship and investigative assistance to departments handling elder crime cases

• Offer training and education to frontline responders using current Maine Criminal Justice Academy curriculum and specialized elder justice content

• Promote a multidisciplinary approach to elder abuse cases, connecting agencies to tools, best practices, and community resources

• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on elder crime trends, outcomes, and needs, helping inform future policy decisions

• Support statewide efforts to expand the Hub and Spoke model for elder crime investigations.

This Hub and Spoke Model was listed as a top priority by the Elder Justice Partnership in the Maine Elder Justice Roadmap. 

The position is part of a pilot project aimed at improving elder justice responses in Maine and is supported by data collection, public input, and direct collaboration with departments.    

Officer Simeoni will also host Elder Justice focus groups and provide ongoing support through both in-person and virtual mentorship. The first-year contract for the pilot program is $150,000 and runs from July 15, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The position is now active and operational, with work already underway. The pilot program is expected to span two years.