The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) is partnering with the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association (NJRMA), the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) and the Delaware Food Industry Council (DFIC) to address security issues in the food industry at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference and Expo.
Set for Oct. 29 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, New Jersey, the conference will spotlight Ubiquitous Technological Surveillance (UTS), which is the pervasive collection of data through everyday gadgets such as smartphones and tablets, and artificial intelligence’s impact on asset security.
It also serves as an opportunity to honor members in law enforcement and loss prevention who have made a significant impact in the last year.
“This event is the appropriate venue to recognize New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin for his steadfast and influential leadership for the passage of the new Organized Retail Crime Law,” said NJFC President and CEO Linda Doherty.
“It is the ideal opportunity for leaders in the loss prevention community to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from the constantly changing technology landscape.”
She noted the conference will feature security experts from such organizations as the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service and FIFA, which organizes worldwide soccer events.
“These discussions help us develop new strategies to safeguard our businesses and communities, leveraging new technologies” Doherty added.
“Consistent collaboration ensures a safer future for the retail food industry in the mid-Atlantic region and stronger protections for retailers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.”
The event will feature remarks from two leaders in the security industry:
- Carlos Garcia, founder of TheUTSGuy.com, is a globally recognized cybersecurity and surveillance expert with nearly two decades of public service in the U.S. intelligence community. He is widely regarded as a leading authority on Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance and the convergence of AI and surveillance technology.
- Supervisory Special Agent Jeff Hunter has more than 25 years of law enforcement and criminal investigative experience and oversees private sector engagement and strategic partnerships for the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. He was previously assigned to complex cyber intrusion matters, focusing on the investigation, targeting and capture of ransomware actors and affiliates operating outside the United States.
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to include matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, will also take center stage at the conference, with a panel discussion on security preparations for the event next summer.
The panel includes experts with insights into the security side of the upcoming tournament:
- Jessica Rodriguez is a supervisory social science research specialist with the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center, where she conducts research on threat assessment and cases of targeted violence.
- Stacy Irving has served as the senior advisor, Homeland Security Programs and Strategic Partnerships, for the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center (DVIC) and the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis since 2015.
- Max Escate is an intelligence specialist for FIFA World Cup 2026, responsible for coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
During the conference there will be a luncheon award ceremony honoring two law enforcement officers and one law enforcement unit whose work serves as a blueprint for effective public/private partnerships and the building of relationships throughout the retail community.
The recipients:
- Attorney General Matt Platkin, New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer, has focused on combating violent crime and implementing innovative public safety strategies. Under his leadership, the Attorney General’s Office has supported the development and implementation of the state’s new Organized Retail Crime (ORC) law. His office continues to collaborate with NJFC and its members on efforts to combat retail crime statewide.
- Sgt. Steven DeAngelis is the New Jersey State Police Emergency Management Private Sector Liaison. He regularly shares timely updates on critical events, giving members necessary lead time to prepare and protect operations.
- Sgt. Ryan Tighe of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and partnership with NJFC members. Thanks to his diligent collaboration, more than $27,000 in fraudulent EBT purchases were documented and turned over, ultimately leading to the apprehension of 10 people.
- The newly-formed Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Organized Retail Crime Unit addresses large-scale retail theft in the state. It investigates organized theft rings that often operate across Pennsylvania and state boundaries.
The ceremony also will include the presentation of Loss Prevention Professional Awards, given to those who have made significant contributions to protect and promote retail security issues.
The honorees:
- The 2025 New Jersey Food Council Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Award will go to Brian Sasso, district asset protection manager at Kings Super Markets and Balducci’s within the Albertsons Mid-Atlantic Division. This year, he uncovered a vendor fraud scheme spanning nine locations and evolving into a six-figure case. The case was built through Sasso’s video analysis and document review, bringing the subject to justice.
- The 2025 Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Award will go to Dave Fones, investigations manager for the Mid-Atlantic/Pennsylvania at Ahold Delhaize. Fones helps the retail giant fight against organized retail crimes and financial crimes. Prior to his current role, he served in the Carlisle Police Department in Pennsylvania for more than 30 years.
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