Human Trafficking Awareness Panel

Sandra R. Berchtold, retired Federal Bureau of Investigation

Sandra R. Berchtold retired from the FBI after 21+ years of service, concluding her career as the Supervisory Special Agent of the Violent Crimes squad, Cincinnati Division – Columbus Resident Agency.  Her career spanned criminal matters to include white collar fraud, civil rights, violent crime, and crimes against children; recruiting and human resource matters, and a public affairs specialist.  In her 13+ years working/supervising crimes against children matters, Berchtold was the Coordinator of the Southeast Michigan Crimes Against Children (SEMCAC) Task Force in FBI’s Detroit Division, to include child sex trafficking investigations, child abduction/Amber Alerts, and CSAM investigations.  Additionally, Berchtold served almost 5 years as the FBI Liaison embedded at the NCMEC working daily with NCMEC’s Child Sex Trafficking Team, Missing Children Division, and Exploited Children Division.  Berchtold worked directly with the NCMEC personnel, including joint trainings, meetings, and interactions with FBI personnel throughout the United States and international offices. After retiring from the FBI, Berchtold continues to work with the Ohio Amber Alert Advisory Committee, attending meetings and assisting with the yearly conference/training.

Trooper Chad Lyons is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 23 years of dedicated service to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to public safety, criminal investigation, and intelligence operations.
He began his journey as a road Trooper, serving at both the Toledo and Lancaster Posts, where he built a reputation for integrity, vigilance, and community engagement. His frontline experience laid a strong foundation for his transition into specialized roles.
Following his time on patrol, Trooper Lyons spent two years in the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Intelligence Unit, where he contributed to critical investigations and inter-agency coordination efforts focused on organized crime, narcotics, and homeland security threats.
For the past 13 years, he has served in the Investigative Unit, where he continues to lead complex criminal investigations with precision and professionalism. His expertise spans homicide, major theft, fraud, and narcotics cases, internet crimes against children and human trafficking.
Throughout his career, Trooper Lyons has valued teamwork, mentorship, and the opportunity to learn from others. He approaches each case with a sense of responsibility and respect for the people involved, and remains committed to serving the citizens of Ohio with integrity.