Advisory Council
Robert Taft
Advisory Council Member
Robert Taft is a 31-year member of a southern California law enforcement agency and is currently assigned to conduct cold case investigations. His first exposure to Investigative Genetic Genealogy began in 2018, with his assignment to his agency’s Golden State Killer Task Force. Soon after the arrest of Joseph DeAngelo, Robert began to explore the use of that same DNA technology in identifying John and Jane Does for his Department.
Robert initially partnered with a third-party genealogy organization and in working together, they successfully identified his department’s first Jane Doe in December 2019.
Since then, Robert has continued to educate himself in the practices and implementation of IGG techniques and is now one of only a few sworn law enforcement officers that conduct their own IGG investigations “in-house” for his agency.
Since being able to primarily focus on IGG cases, Robert has made several successful identifications in both unidentified human remains cases and unidentified homicide victims.
Robert had received several commendations regarding his work and commitment to these genealogical investigations and most recently was the recipient of his Department’s Medal of Merit for his investigation and identification of a 1974 John Doe that was suspected to have been a victim of a notorious serial killer active in southern California in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Rachel Dunn
Advisory Council Member
Rachel Dunn is a former prosecutor with more than 16 years of experience trying cases. Rachel has prosecuted cases in 22 counties in New York state.
In 2017 she was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo as the Special Prosecutor and Inspector General for the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. In that role she led a team of attorneys that both prosecuted cases and trained and advised law enforcement and district attorneys regarding vulnerable victim interviews, charging considerations, and trial tactics.
Rachel has developed and provided training programs to numerous law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and social service personnel.
She has consulted with the Department of Justice on the unique vulnerability that individuals with disabilities face, particularly in the realm of human trafficking.
Shany Schvartz
Advisory Council Member
Shany Schvartz is an accomplished Criminal Justice Researcher from Upstate New York. Over the past decade, she has made significant contributions to numerous academic publications spanning diverse fields, including Bioethics, Criminal Law, Parricide, Filicide, and Sexual Violence. Her multidisciplinary background encompasses undergraduate and graduate degrees in Law and Forensic Science and complemented by a range of academic certifications in archaeology and anthropology, forensic facial reconstruction and more.
Alongside her academic pursuits, Shany excels in Graphic Design and Digital Media Management. She holds certifications from Meta, Google, and UC Davis, and works as a Media Manager for clients including Barbara Butcher, Mary Murphy, Kate White and DNA Finders. Shany's broad skill set enables her to approach research with a comprehensive perspective, combining her expertise in law, forensic science, and related disciplines.
Furthermore, her proficiency in graphic design and media management provides her with unique avenues for disseminating research findings and advocating for important causes within the criminal justice system.
Constantine Orfan
Advisory Council Member
Constantine “Dino” Orfan currently serves as the Vice President of the Parish Council. Born in Cortland, NY, he moved to Gloversville in the summer of 1976. After graduating from high school in 1980, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, specializing as a Heating Systems Specialist at Hanscom Air Force Base near Boston, MA.
In 1993, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserves before transitioning to the New York Air National Guard in 1996, marking the beginning of his lifelong career in law enforcement and security. After the events of September 11, 2001, he was frequently on active duty orders and, in 2005, transitioned to permanent active duty with the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He retired from active duty service on May 31, 2018, from Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, MA.
Following his military career, he relocated to Fort Worth, TX, where he attended the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Corrections Officer Academy and worked in corrections until early 2019.
He has served as the Fulton County NY Supervisor, representing Ward 1, in the City of Gloversville Ny since 2023.
With extensive training and experience in law enforcement, security, and corrections, as well as a strong background in public service, he holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Historical Studies, and two Associate’s Degrees.
