After a five-year hiatus, the Michigan ORCA Conference returned in full force on April 22, bringing together law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, and loss prevention professionals at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lansing. With the energy of a long-anticipated reunion, the event marked a significant moment in Michigan’s—and, the rest of the United States’—ongoing battle against ORC.
Opening Remarks and a Powerful Keynote
The day kicked off with a warm welcome acknowledging the conference’s return—the first since 2019—and set the tone for a packed agenda focused on partnership, innovation, and real-world impact.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel delivered a commanding keynote address that laid the foundation for the day’s discussions. She emphasized the strengthened criminal penalties under the newly advanced Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) legislation for ORC offenders, sending a clear message: If you steal from the state of Michigan, the consequences have intensified.
Nessel also highlighted the broader implications of ORC across the nation, noting its far-reaching economic and public safety consequences. But her message was ultimately one of progress and optimism—stressing the critical role of local partnerships and praising the strides made by Michigan’s ORC Task Force.
Highlighting the critical role of collaboration with local retailers, Nessel noted that strong partnerships are the cornerstone of their efforts and that, together, they are making a real difference.
FORCE Team Presentation: Strategy in Action
The FORCE Team—Michigan’s specialized ORC task force now entering its third year—took the stage next. Led by Mike Steckel and Steve Temelko and housed within the Michigan State Police, the team shared a behind-the-scenes look at their high-impact operations.
Results-driven and performance-focused, the FORCE Team has conducted over 54 investigations and prosecutions since 2022, encompassing more than 100 suspects statewide and beyond. Their targets? Sophisticated criminal enterprises behind everything from large-scale pushouts and EBT fraud to supply chain theft and counterfeit goods.
Their investigative approach emphasizes collaboration and intelligence—piecing together suspect identities through a multitude of things, including surveillance video, digital forensics, and cutting-edge technology.
Success in ORC investigations relies not on individual efforts, but on unified, coordinated collaboration.
Prosecuting ORC in Michigan
In a compelling and interactive session, Doug Lloyd and David Gilbert of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Association of Michigan provided insight into the legal tools used to combat ORC. They walked attendees through Michigan’s statutory framework, highlighting how prosecutors build and present cases in court.
The session also covered the nuances of jury instructions—particularly the need to prove intent beyond the act of theft—and explained how different degrees of retail fraud are classified under state law.
Attendees were engaged in real-time discussions, exploring the legal challenges of prosecuting ORC while gaining a deeper understanding of how cases are structured from arrest to conviction.
Digital Threats on the Rise
Another eye-opening session took place in the early afternoon as MI ORCA President Ryan Themm presented a case study that underscored the evolving complexity of fraud in the digital age. Themm detailed a recent investigation in which an individual was sentenced to five to twenty years in prison for exploiting Meijer’s MPerks loyalty program—demonstrating that even reward systems are not immune to criminal abuse.
The session also explored broader vulnerabilities in loyalty programs, as well as the emerging intersection of organized retail crime and cryptocurrency. As retail crime becomes increasingly tech-savvy, Themm emphasized the need for continued adaptation and vigilance from both investigators and retailers.
Policing and the Holocaust: A Lesson in Moral Courage
John Shuler of the Zekelman Holocaust Center led a moving, interactive session highlighting how even small actions carried great weight during the Holocaust—for better or worse. Through real-time audience engagement and the story of Henk Drogt, a Dutch officer executed for refusing to arrest Jews, Shuler underscored that just like in loss prevention, seemingly minor choices can have significant impact. It was a timely reminder to examine the ethical weight of everyday decisions.
Closing Out with Momentum
As the conference wrapped, the buzz of new ideas and fresh connections lingered. Attendees left inspired, recharged, and ready to tackle what’s next—together. Here’s to keeping the momentum going all year long!