A Kennebunk police officer has been appointed to a new role within the Maine Department of Public Safety designed to address the rise in complex crimes targeting older adults.

Officer Candice Simeoni was announced as the new elder justice investigator on Thursday.

“With extensive experience in law enforcement and a deep 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,” department spokesperson Shannon Moss said in the announcement.

Simeoni will provide case mentorship and investigative assistance, offer training, collect and analyze data, and promote multidisciplinary approaches related to elder crimes, Moss said.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to step into the role of Maine’s new elder justice investigator,” Simeoni said in an email Friday. “This position represents not only a professional milestone, but a personal commitment to protecting and advocating for one of our most amazing populations, our older adults.”

The elder justice investigator is also responsible for supporting the statewide expansion of “the Hub on Spoke model for elder crime investigations,” Moss said.

“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,” Moss said. “Officer Simeoni will also host elder justice focus groups and provide ongoing support through both in-person and virtual mentorship.”

The elder justice investigator role was funded through a federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

The first year of the $150,000 pilot program runs through September 2026, but Moss said the department expects the program to ultimately span two years.

Simeoni emphasized her role is to work with agencies, not directly with the general public. She has received multiple requests from Maine residents who misinterpreted her role, asking her to investigate their cases, she said.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Aug. 8 to add a comment and information from Simeoni.