Executive Board
President Julie Lynne Kohl, Retired Albert Lea Police Department (2017-2025)
Julie began her law enforcement career in Iowa in 1979, serving as a criminal and drug taskforce investigator before joining the Albert Lea Police Department in 1992. Over 30 years, she worked as a patrol officer, SWAT and bike patrol member, and later as a detective specializing in child protection and sex crimes. A trained forensic interviewer, Julie earned distinction for her strong conviction record and dedication to victims. She retired in 2023, receiving the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice and, in 2024, the MNSCIA Career Achievement Award. She continues to serve the profession through MNSCIA.
Vice President Molly Lynch, Plymouth Police Department (2017-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Secretary Jessica Lapp, University of Minnesota Police Department (2009-2025)
“I’ve been involved with investigating sex crimes since 2015. I joined MNSCIA at the beginning of my sex crimes career to learn from seasoned investigators and to stay informed about the most current investigative strategies. I became a board member to foster that knowledge and continue collaboration with all disciplines involved with sex crimes.
The biggest benefit to having an organization like MNSCIA is networking! Sex crimes are the most complicated cases to investigate and MNSCIA has been an invaluable resource for networking with investigators in other agencies and disciplines.”
Treasurer Kenna Dick, Edina Police Department (2017-2025)
“I have been in law enforcement for 20 years, with the last 10 years in my current position as a sex crimes detective at Edina Police Department. I joined the MNSCIA board 10 years ago when I was assigned to my position to meet other investigators in the area, collaborate and soak in all the information I could to try and better serve victims in sexual assault cases. I believe MNSCIA benefits all multidisciplinary professionals in the field because if offers an opportunity to network, share information and promote positive case outcomes for victims and families.”
Advisory Board Chair Kelsey Palm, Department of Corrections (2022-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Business Manager Lisa Goldner, Department of Corrections (2025)
“Coming Soon”
Advisory Board
Jessica Weber, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (2023-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Karen Kugler, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (2021-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Melissa Hernandez, Freeborn County Department of Human Services (2023-2024)
“Coming Soon”
Megan Rae, Ramsey County SOS Sexual Violence Services (2024-2025)
“I’ve been working in the field of relationship violence for approx. 16 years; starting in higher education as a teacher and trainer in 2009 focusing on healthy relationships/violence, transitioning into non-profit direct services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims/survivors in 2017, and currently working as the Legal Services Coordinator at Sexual Violence Services in Ramsey County since June 2022.
I joined the MNSCIA board as someone who attended the conferences since 2022 and have found immense value in the networking and knowledge sharing. I was particularly interested to join from my lens as a community advocate who works with victims/survivors of violence regardless of if they engage with system support such as reporting to law enforcement and how I can bring the experiences and voices of those in the community to the table.
In fast, trauma centered work, we often tend to find a grove and stick to it or move as quickly/efficiently as we can to hold large caseloads. Breaking down silos from those in different fields and connect with other experienced experts to problem solve, validate, share accountability and find a community of care is invaluable.”
Tara Ferguson Lopez, Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (2020-2024)
“I have been prosecuting serious felony crimes, including sexual assault, child abuse, homicide and sex trafficking offenses since 2004. I currently work as a Senior Assistant Hennepin County Attorney and previously I served as an Assistant Mille Lacs County Attorney. I joined MNSCIA as an Advisory Board member after having attended the fall MNSCIA Conference for MANY years. I enjoyed both the networking and knowledge sharing between professionals in the field at the fall conference. I wanted to join the Advisory Board because I believe in the mission and work of the organization. I also think growing the connections between attorneys, law enforcement officers, child protection workers, advocates and others who work tirelessly in this field day after day is a great way to both lend support to each other and further relationships that make it easier to pick up the phone and reach out when you have questions or issues arise.”
Morgan Clark, Mille Lacs County Community & Veterans Services (2022-2025)
“I have been working with sex crimes since summer of 2021. I joined MNSCIA because an investigator that is also a member mentioned that it would be nice to have a social worker perspective on the advisory board. After I attended the fall conference in 2021 I knew that I wanted to be part of the organization.
Having an organization like MNSCIA is beneficial because it creates a support team for those who work in sex crimes, whether you’re a social worker, advocate, nurse, forensic interviewer, attorney, or in law enforcement. Not only is the organization full of support but it also helps guide old and new investigators conduct sex crime investigations with assistance and knowledge from other agencies and professionals.”
Board Members
Amy Goodwin, Plymouth Police Department (2025)
“I worked in our special investigations unit from 2008-2013, where I worked ICAC cases and had a focused on prostitution/human trafficking. I worked as a rotating investigator from 2014-2017 where I worked sex related crimes and general investigations. I was then promoted and work people crimes where there is a focus on sex related crimes.
I attended the MNSCIA conference once as a general investigator and every year after my promotion. As I attended, I met a lot of people who conduct sex related investigations and received great training. I wanted to be a part of the conversations that shape future legislature and trainings.
The biggest benefit to having an organization like MNSCIA is information sharing. Law enforcement is a large family, but we aren’t the best at communicating between departments and other support agencies (attorneys, nurses, advocates). MNSCIA offers conferences, trainings and other avenues to network with others that you would otherwise never have contact with. Case studies, legal updates, and other trainings I’ve received has been incredibly helpful in the way I investigate sex related crimes.”
Anne Scharmach, (Retired) Winona Police Department (2021-2025)
“As a board member for the Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigator Association (MNSCIA) since 2021, I’m driven by a profound commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals. With 22 years of experience in law enforcement at the Winona Police Department and approximately 6 years as an advocate with Olmsted County Victim Services, I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical importance of highly skilled and well-supported sex crimes investigators. My involvement with MNSCIA stems from a belief in continuous learning, collaborative problem-solving, and the power of a unified professional community to make a lasting impact. I’m dedicated to empowering MNSCIA members with the resources and training necessary to excel in their vital work.”
Crystal Jones, Roseville Police Department (2021-2025)
“I have specialized in investigating sex crimes, family violence, and child exploitation for approximately seven years. This work fulfills my passion for understanding human behavior and solving complex problems while providing an important way to serve my community by helping victims pursue justice.
I became involved with MNSCIA three to four years ago after attending the fall conference. I was drawn to the organization because it brings together professionals who not only care deeply about victims and justice but are also committed to ensuring that investigators across agencies—regardless of size or resources—are equipped to address crimes that impact every community.
The fall conference, in particular, offers a valuable balance of networking, training, and inspiration for professionals working in this demanding field.”
Dan Farrar, University of Minnesota Police Department (2023-2025)
“I have been the lead investigator for sexual assault cases at my agency for almost three years. Prior to that, I did general investigations and patrol for 10 years. MNSCIA has allowed me to further develop relationships with others involved in these complex, sensitive cases and better understand and appreciate the roles other than law enforcement”.
Jeff Schoeberl, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (2010-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Jessica Bastil, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (2020-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Kris Boomer, Bloomington Police Department (2009-2025)
“I have been an investigator for almost 13 years and in Law Enforcement for 27 years. I specialize in Sexual Assault Investigations, Child Protection Investigations, and Internet Crimes Against Children Investigations.
I started on the MNSCIA Board in 2002 when one of my co-workers was going to vacate her position. She encouraged me to join so that I could network with other investigators and learn more about investigating sex crimes. I chose to serve as a board member with MNSCIA because I believe deeply in the importance of supporting those who work to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. MNSCIA provides specialized training, resources, and a strong professional network for investigators and professionals who handle some of the most challenging and sensitive cases in law enforcement.
By being part of the board, I have the opportunity to help shape the direction of the association, support innovation in investigative practices, and promote collaboration among agencies across the state. It’s also a way for me to give back to a community of professionals who are committed to justice, accountability, and the well-being of survivors. I’m proud to contribute to an organization that prioritizes ethical standards, professional growth, and a trauma-informed approach to investigations.”
Matt Aker, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (2021-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Nancy Lang, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (2022-2025)
“Coming Soon”
Tiffany Thompson, Central Minnesota Child Advocacy Center (2022-2025)
“I have been working in the field of sex crimes for 20 years. My perspective is drawn from my experiences in law enforcement and as a forensic interviewer, where I have witnessed the resilience of survivors but also the importance of collaboration in addressing such critical issues. The diverse insights of multi-disciplinary teams can be a cornerstone in fostering understanding, improving service delivery, and ultimately empowering survivors and their support systems.
Matt Mullins, Princeton Police Department (2021-2025)
“Coming Soon”