Celebrating Excellence: MAORCA's 2026 Annual Awards

One of the highlights of our conference was the presentation of the 2026 MAORCA Annual Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to organized retail crime prevention, investigation, prosecution, and collaboration.

We thank everyone who took the time to nominate peers and colleagues. Recognizing individuals and teams who go above and beyond is an important part of MAORCA's mission.

These individuals, teams, and organizations represent the very best of public-private collaboration. Their work serves as a reminder that organized retail crime investigations are most effective when agencies and organizations work together.

Distinguished Service Award: Kyle Graser

MAORCA was especially proud to recognize Kyle Graser (Target) with a Distinguished Service Award for his longstanding dedication and contributions to the organization.

Kyle has served MAORCA in multiple leadership capacities, including President and Treasurer, helping shape the organization and support its continued development.

In recognition of his service, Kyle was named MAORCA's first President Emeritus, a lifetime honorary appointment celebrating his leadership, commitment, and lasting impact.

We sincerely thank Kyle for everything he has contributed to MAORCA and look forward to his continued involvement.

MAORCA Announces New Leadership for 2027

As part of the organization's annual meeting, outgoing President Detective Sergeant Howard "Merg" Mergler of the Fairfax County Police Department announced several leadership transitions and appointments.

Jeff Meyer (Walmart) was named MAORCA's new President and will lead a team of approximately 25 volunteers representing retail, law enforcement, and other public and private sector partners.

Meyer succeeds Sgt. Mergler, whose leadership helped advance MAORCA's mission, expand partnerships, and strengthen the organization's presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Sgt. Mergler will remain actively involved, continuing his service as Law Enforcement Vice President.

MAORCA also announced the following Board leadership appointments:

• Ruben Talamantes (lululemon): Director of Training Initiatives. A newly established position focused on expanding training opportunities and educational resources. Ruben previously served as Regional Director.

• Amber Rhodes (Ulta Beauty): Treasurer. Amber joins the Board after serving on MAORCA's Advisory Council.

• Jonathan Maser (The Home Depot): Secretary and Eastern Virginia Regional Director. Jonathan will serve in both capacities.

• Tim Wade (CVS Health): Delaware/Maryland Regional Director. Tim transitions into the regional leadership role after serving as Secretary.

• Amia Canada (Victoria's Secret & Co.): Northern Virginia Regional Director. Amia joins the Board following service on the Advisory Council.

• Kyle Graser (Target): President Emeritus. A lifetime honorary appointment recognizing his distinguished service.

Welcoming New Advisory Council Members

MAORCA also welcomed four new members to its Advisory Council, bringing additional investigative expertise, prosecutorial perspectives, and public-private sector experience to the organization.

• Austin Langenfelder (Lowe's), transitioning to the Advisory Council following years of service on the Board of Directors.

• Mackenzie Babichenko, Hanover County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, Virginia.

• Special Agent Emily Grove, Homeland Security Investigations.

• Sergeant Alicia Wheeler, Prince George's County Police Department.

These appointments reflect MAORCA's commitment to developing volunteer leadership and bringing diverse perspectives together in support of our mission.

We extend our appreciation to every outgoing, continuing, and incoming leader who volunteers their time and expertise to move the organization forward.

Meet MAORCA's Leadership Team

Expanding Our Mission: New Initiatives and Resources

While conferences and networking opportunities remain central to MAORCA's mission, our work extends well beyond annual events.

Throughout 2026, MAORCA developed and expanded initiatives designed to support investigators, strengthen local partnerships, and educate communities about the impact of theft and fraud.

Helping Small Businesses Avoid Purchasing Stolen Goods

Organized retail crime affects more than large retailers. Stolen merchandise can enter legitimate resale channels, creating legal, financial, and reputational risks for small businesses.

MAORCA's Small Business Public Service Announcement and Training Initiative provides educational resources to help businesses recognize potential indicators of stolen merchandise and avoid unknowingly purchasing or reselling stolen goods.

Learn More & Download the Small Business Training Module

Protecting Seniors From Fraud

Financial fraud targeting older adults continues to demand attention from investigators, financial institutions, families, and communities.

MAORCA's Senior Fraud Prevention Initiative provides a comprehensive collection of tools addressing fraud prevention, early intervention, reporting, and investigation.

The resources are designed to help individuals recognize fraud, support potential victims, and assist professionals responding to these crimes.

Explore MAORCA's Senior Fraud Prevention Resources

Strengthening Local Partnerships Through MAORCA Chapters

Successful organized retail crime investigations often begin with local relationships.

MAORCA's Chapter Program is designed to recognize established partnerships, support regional intelligence-sharing networks, and encourage more investigators and agencies to get involved.

In 2026, MAORCA formally recognized four Founding Chapters:

• Arlington County, Virginia

• Bel Air Region, Maryland

• Fredericksburg Region, Virginia

• Harrisonburg, Virginia

MAORCA also recognized an Emerging Chapter in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, reflecting continued interest in expanding regional collaboration.

These chapters create opportunities for regular intelligence exchanges, training, investigative coordination, and relationship-building at the local level.

Interested in joining an existing chapter or helping establish one in your region?

Explore the MAORCA Chapter Program

More Tools for MAORCA Members

MAORCA continues to build a growing library of practical resources intended to help investigators work more efficiently and effectively.

Our member resources include:

• OSINT Tools Database: Resources for open-source research and intelligence gathering.

• ORC Case Checklists and Templates: Tools to support case development, organization, and investigative documentation.

• Intelligence Meeting Guide: Guidance for organizing productive intelligence-sharing meetings.

• ORC Blitz Planning Guide: Resources to support coordinated investigative and enforcement operations.

• Pre-Sentencing Statement Outline: A resource to help communicate the broader impact of organized retail crime during the judicial process.

• Investigative Interview Tips Library: Practical interviewing guidance and reminders from Wicklander-Zulawski.

• And More: Additional investigative tools, reference materials, and resources to support our members.

These resources are part of MAORCA's broader effort to ensure our members have access to more than just a network. We want to provide practical tools that help investigators build stronger cases and support meaningful results.

Explore these resources through the Member Resources section at www.MAORCA.org.

Looking Ahead to 2027: Turning Connections Into Action

As MAORCA prepares for 2027, our priorities remain focused on strengthening relationships, improving investigative capabilities, and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

We look forward to continuing the development of our regional chapters, expanding investigator training, growing our library of shared resources, and encouraging greater involvement from retail investigators, law enforcement, prosecutors, and industry partners.

But our success will not be measured by the number of conferences we host or the resources we publish alone.

“Our success will be measured by the partnerships we build, the intelligence we share, the investigations we strengthen, and the difference we make together.”

—Jeff Meyer, Board President

MAORCA is a volunteer-driven organization, and its greatest strength has always been the individuals who choose to contribute their time, experience, and expertise to help others.

Whether you are an experienced investigator, a prosecutor, a law enforcement officer, or a retail professional looking to expand your network, there is an opportunity to become involved.

We encourage members to participate in local chapters, contribute investigative resources, share intelligence, support training initiatives, and consider volunteer opportunities with our Advisory Council, Executive Council, or Board of Directors.

Save the Date: 2027 Annual Training Conference

October 27–28, 2027 | Location to Be Announced

We look forward to bringing our community together again for another year of education, recognition, and collaboration.

Thank you to everyone who made 2026 a successful year for MAORCA. We look forward to building on that success together in 2027!

The Mid-Atlantic ORC Alliance 2026 outgoing Board of Directors, featured with the LP Hall Award for 2026 ORCA of the Year.