The Elder Abuse Unit specializes in the prosecution of crimes involving the abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of senior citizens and disabled persons. This unit works closely with the Louisville Metro Police Crimes Against Seniors Unit, and other local police agencies, to follow these cases from investigation through court proceedings. The mission of this unit is to prepare and present such cases in the judicial system; and to assist the judiciary, law enforcement, service providers and the public in recognizing and preventing the maltreatment of vulnerable adults.

Ruth Lerner - Division Chief, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Ms. Lerner received her license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2000 and joined the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office in March 2003. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Stoneybrook in 1974, a Master of Science Degree in Education from Hofstra University in 1976, an MBA in Marketing from Northwestern University in 1982, and her law degree from the University of Kentucky School of Law in 2000. Prior to coming to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, Ms. Lerner was a staff attorney for two years in the HIV/Aids Project at the Legal Aid Society of Louisville. In the past, she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Republic Bank, in the Marketing and Planning Department of Lantech, Inc., and in the New Products Marketing Department of Pepsi-Co/KFC. Ms. Lerner contributes her time to the volunteer income tax preparation (VITA) program and is a member of Highland Presbyterian Church. She is also a professional member of the Louisville Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Ms . Lerner is currently assigned to the Elder Abuse Unit as Deputy Chief.

Meredith Dreher - Paralegal