Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association Spring 2026

9:00 - 10:00 From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: How Embedded Analysts Strengthen Prosecutions
Prosecutors know the frustration: you’re trial-ready, but waiting on detectives who are swamped with new cases and evidence begins to pile up. Jail calls go unheard. Social media returns and cell phone dumps only get glanced at. Your law enforcement analysts have competing priorities. Embedding a dedicated criminal analyst within the prosecutor’s office puts an expert on your team, in this case focusing solely on homicide and gang cases. Not a new hire but an investment in existing talent. The results speak volumes: a stable – and in many instances, higher – trial victory rate, a measurable increase in plea agreements to life tails, and a streamlined trial prep process that lets prosecutors focus on advocacy, not evidence management.
Kathryn Breier, Criminal Analyst
Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office

10:15 - 11:15 OPAA Legislative Update
This presentation will discuss the environment on Capitol Square and will include updates on recently enacted pieces of legislation and priority criminal justice legislation pending in the 136th General Assembly.
Louis Tobin, Executive Director
Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association

11:15 - 12:15 Legal Do’s and Don’ts of Closing Argument
The fundamentals of a good closing argument are mostly strategic and rhetorical, being designed to convince a properly skeptical jury to come to the right conclusion on the facts. But, naturally, the law plays an important role in determining what may argued – and how it may be argued. This presentation will emphasize the two “do’s” of a proper closing argument, and, at the same time, will discuss a number of the “don’ts”, which will allow prosecutors to avoid the most-common land mines that can lead to objection during closing argument, including the highly-improper “don’t” of commenting on the defendant’s silence during trial.
Steven L. Taylor, Legal Research and Staff Counsel
Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association

12:15 - 1:15 Lunch (with Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Investigators Association)

1:15 - 2:15 Arson Case Study – Homemade Explosives
This presentation will follow a central Ohio case where the defendant was producing bombs made out of common household items, and how the OFM and prosecutors can work together to investigate, identify, and convict offenders.
SFM Forensic Lab Bureau Chief Chad Wissinger and
SFM FEIB Explosive Investigator Ron Stemen
Ohio Department of Commerce – Division of State Fire Marshal

3:45 – 4:45 The Life and Times of Patrick Wilson - Civil and Criminal Pursuit of a Career Criminal.
This case study details the civil and criminal pursuit of Patrick Wilson (formerly Patrick Eltringham), a career fraudster operating in Ohio and surrounding states. The Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section and Economic Crimes Unit led investigations resulting in significant civil judgments and criminal convictions.
Lisa Treleven, Senior Assistant Attorney General
Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost

9:00 - 10:00 What Fourth Amendment Challenges Arise When Prosecuting Cases Involving Drone Surveillance?
Drones and unmanned aircraft systems are emerging technologies now routinely deployed by law enforcement agencies across Ohio and throughout the country. While aviation law historically appeared only sporadically in criminal cases, prosecutors are now increasingly encountering drone-related issues at every stage of prosecution — from investigations and search-and-seizure litigation to charging decisions and trial evidence. This presentation will examine the rapidly developing legal framework governing law enforcement and civilian drone use, with particular emphasis on federal preemption, Ohio statutory authority, and Fourth Amendment implications. The program will review pilot certification and operational requirements under federal law, including relevant criminal statutes, and will address how Ohio’s controlled substance laws apply when contraband is transported by drone. It will also explore whether and to what extent states or municipalities may regulate drone activity, and the practical limits of federal enforcement for drone-based trespass or airspace violations.
Bob Meader, Esq
Retired CPD Commander

10:15 - 12:15 What Fourth Amendment Challenges Arise When Prosecuting Cases Involving Drone Surveillance? Continues…

12:15 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 Safe at Home Program – Ohio’s Address Confidentiality Program
Stalkers can easily access information about their victims through public records, especially those posted online. To protect these individuals, the Safe at Home program ensures that a participant’s personal details are concealed from public records, empowering survivors to reclaim their sense of security within their homes. Ohio’s Safe at Home laws contain a range of protections and services for those who have endured domestic violence, sexual battery, human trafficking, rape, or menacing by stalking. Staffed by experts, the program upholds the privacy of participant
information, arranges mail forwarding, and offers training and support for county prosecutors, along with other agencies, fostering an environment where Ohioans can feel safe at home again.
Lisa Taylor, SAH Administrator
Office of the Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose

We have received approval for 10 hours of general CLE from the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education.

The registration fees for OPAA members are $330.00 for both days, $230.00 for one day only. Registration fees for non-members are $990.00 and $690.00. The fee covers all continental breakfasts, breaks, beverages, and lunches. To help defray the cost of food guarantees, cancellations received after Friday, April 10th, will be assessed a $100.00 penalty, if scheduled to attend both days, and a $60.00 penalty if scheduled for one day. Please be sure to send your registrations, so they are received by OPAA, on or before April 10th.

OPAA is now providing all course materials in electronic format. Approximately 48 hours prior to the course date, seminar registrants will receive an email that will include a link to the secure course materials. Since reliable wi-fi access at meeting facilities cannot be guaranteed, we suggest registrants download the materials to their devices or print the material for use during the seminar.

The cut-off date for our room rate is Monday, March 30, 2026. Check-in time is 3:00 PM and Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Early check-in is not guaranteed and is based on availability. It is recommended calling the hotel front desk on the day of arrival to inquire if early access to your room is possible. Late check-out until 1:00 PM is based on availability. Later check-out after 1:00 PM will be subjected to a fee.

Individual guest room cancellation policy is by 3:00 PM the day prior to your arrival date to avoid a charge of one night’s room and tax and cancellation of the remainder of the stay. For guests who do not check in on their scheduled arrival date and have not canceled their reservation will be assessed a penalty of one night’s room and tax will be charged, and the remainder of their reservation will be canceled.

To avoid paying tax, accommodation for each guest needs to provide a State of Ohio Sales Tax Exemption Form and if applicable the City of Columbus Tax Exemption Form. The name on the tax exemption forms must match the name on the credit card. Personal payment, even though it will be reimbursed by the office, is not tax exempt by state law.

NOTE: If any registrant has special dietary needs, please contact Diana at 614-221-1266, on or before April 10th so that advance arrangements can be made with the venue. OPAA will accommodate requests if they can be supplied by the venue without additional cost. Any additional cost must be borne by the registrant, and they will be notified in advance.