But the employee had apparently visited unauthorized websites. A lot of websites. The investigation finally showed that the employee had spent literally hundreds of hours in front of the computer not working.
Monday, December 29, 2008
PIs Offering Tips to Prevent Employee Theft
At first glance, it didn’t seem like a case of employee theft.
But the employee had apparently visited unauthorized websites. A lot of websites. The investigation finally showed that the employee had spent literally hundreds of hours in front of the computer not working.
But the employee had apparently visited unauthorized websites. A lot of websites. The investigation finally showed that the employee had spent literally hundreds of hours in front of the computer not working.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Arrest Could Come in 1967 Double Murder
The investigation into a 40-year-old double murder in Staunton has taken another turn.
Staunton Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Robertson says police are close to making an arrest in the case, a major step in an investigation that one private investigator says has had its share of problems since the 1967 killings.
Roy Hartless, a private investigator and retired Staunton police officer, has been looking into the double murders of Constance Hevener, 19, and 20-year-old Carolyn Perry for a decade.
Staunton Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Robertson says police are close to making an arrest in the case, a major step in an investigation that one private investigator says has had its share of problems since the 1967 killings.
Roy Hartless, a private investigator and retired Staunton police officer, has been looking into the double murders of Constance Hevener, 19, and 20-year-old Carolyn Perry for a decade.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Aussie Police Hire PIs to Snoop Online
The internet communications and websites of anti-war campaigners, environmentalists, animal rights activists and other protest groups are being secretly monitored by state and federal agencies.
A Melbourne private intelligence firm specialising in "open-source intelligence" has been engaged by Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the federal Attorney-General's Department to monitor and report on the protest movements' use of the internet.
A Melbourne private intelligence firm specialising in "open-source intelligence" has been engaged by Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the federal Attorney-General's Department to monitor and report on the protest movements' use of the internet.
Life Can Look "Funny" Through a Private Eye's Eye
WRAL News spent time recently with a Raleigh private eye, who says her job is dangerous, emotional and sometimes humorous.
Jet skiing can be a risky activity no matter what condition you are in. But imagine how surprised an insurance company was to see a man they insure out on the open water when he is supposed to have a back problem so severe he cannot make it up a flight of stairs.
Jet skiing can be a risky activity no matter what condition you are in. But imagine how surprised an insurance company was to see a man they insure out on the open water when he is supposed to have a back problem so severe he cannot make it up a flight of stairs.
Monday, November 24, 2008
PI Worked to Discover Voter Fraud
Audio recordings between a private investigator hired by former Jeffersonville Mayor Rob Waiz and several voters who used absentee ballots during the 2007 Democratic Party primary detail allegations of voter fraud that would have benefited Mayor Tom Galligan.
Galligan defeated Waiz during the race and then won the office that November.
Galligan defeated Waiz during the race and then won the office that November.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Shoe Print Evidence Gets the Google Treatment
A shoeprint etched in blood or dust can make a crucial difference in a criminal case, but it all depends on the ability of human examiners to identify a matching shoeprint pattern from thousands in their databases.
It's a laborious, inefficient task.
That's why University at Buffalo computer scientists are developing tools to make the search-and-match process more like a Google search and less like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
It's a laborious, inefficient task.
That's why University at Buffalo computer scientists are developing tools to make the search-and-match process more like a Google search and less like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
PI Uses Metro Card as Witness
When Jason Jones was arrested in a fatal shooting in the Bronx in May, he told the police that he had been nowhere near the scene. He said he had left work, ridden the bus with some co-workers and cashed his paycheck, and later had taken a subway to see his girlfriend.
Federal prosecutors charged Mr. Jones and his older brother, Corey, in the shooting, saying they had killed the victim because he had been a government witness in drug and gun cases. Both men could face the death penalty if the government decides to seek it.
But in recent weeks, the case has taken an extraordinary turn — because of Jason Jones’s MetroCard.
Federal prosecutors charged Mr. Jones and his older brother, Corey, in the shooting, saying they had killed the victim because he had been a government witness in drug and gun cases. Both men could face the death penalty if the government decides to seek it.
But in recent weeks, the case has taken an extraordinary turn — because of Jason Jones’s MetroCard.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
PIs Keep It in the Family
“Five years ago, it was mostly women hiring us to investigate their husbands for infidelity. Now it’s reversed...I don’t know what’s happened,” said Josh Livermon with a smirk.
Bob Livermon, Josh’s father, bought Central Virginia Investigations from Cecil Glunt in 2002. At the time, Josh, a Powhatan High School graduate, was working in Florida as a licensed private investigator, having completed that state’s mandatory two year internship program that Josh only half jokingly describes as a “legal slave trade.”
Bob Livermon, Josh’s father, bought Central Virginia Investigations from Cecil Glunt in 2002. At the time, Josh, a Powhatan High School graduate, was working in Florida as a licensed private investigator, having completed that state’s mandatory two year internship program that Josh only half jokingly describes as a “legal slave trade.”
Casey Anthony's PI Speaks
Over the weekend, Equusearch spearheaded a massive effort in the Orlando, Florida area to locate the remains of missing toddler Caylee Marie Anthony. Over a thousand volunteers combed the terrain for two days -- but found no signs of the child.
There is one man who is not in the least surprised by the outcome.
Dominic Casey, head of D & A Investigations, Inc., the agency working with the Anthony family to find Casey Anthony's missing daughter, spoke exclusively with momlogic. And he vehemently believes the three-year-old is alive
There is one man who is not in the least surprised by the outcome.
Dominic Casey, head of D & A Investigations, Inc., the agency working with the Anthony family to find Casey Anthony's missing daughter, spoke exclusively with momlogic. And he vehemently believes the three-year-old is alive
Monday, November 10, 2008
Puppy Mill Owner Faces Charges Thanks to Investigator
Team 5 Investigates exposed a Minnesota puppy mill that has sent thousands of dogs to pet shops all over the country, including Massachusetts.
NewsCenter 5's Sean Kelly reported Sunday that because of the undercover video shot by an investigator for the Companion Animal Protection Society, the owner of the puppy mill is now facing charges.
Fifteen hundred miles northwest of Massachusetts the relentless sound of barking can be heard from Pick of the Litter. There's no mistaking who's in charge. Kathy Bauck handles the leash for roughly 800 dogs at her Minnesota farm.
The undercover video which has been turned over to police, shows Bauck is cautious about people determined to shut down her family operation that has shipped hundreds of dogs to Massachusetts pet shops for years.
"I've never met so many liars, cheats and thieves in my life as I have in the dog business," said Bauck.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Private Eye Outlines Work for Indicted PA Senator
A private investigator says he did personal investigative work while under contract with the Pennsylvania Senate for veteran Democratic Sen. Vincent Fumo.
Frank Wallace testified Monday in Fumo's trial on charges of defrauding the state Senate, now nearing the two-week mark in federal court in Philadelphia.
Wallace says he was hired for personal, political, and senate work. He says most assignments from Fumo were personal or political.
Frank Wallace testified Monday in Fumo's trial on charges of defrauding the state Senate, now nearing the two-week mark in federal court in Philadelphia.
Wallace says he was hired for personal, political, and senate work. He says most assignments from Fumo were personal or political.
Monday, November 03, 2008
PI Turned Novelist has Great Stories from Being on the Job
Born in California, Castle came to Massachusetts in the summer of 1983 to visit her grandmother while her parents were going through a divorce. She decided to stay and finish high school in New England. At the age of 15, Castle joined an after-school police explorer group for teens and was hooked.
"I learned a lot about what police officers do," said Castle. "I wanted to be a cop."
After high school she earned her associate's degree in criminal justice at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, juggling numerous jobs during the two years.
Castle worked for a retired police officer as a private investigator, primarily following married men to confirm their infidelity, while she held down an 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at Worcester City Hospital as a security guard, where she did everything from moving bodies in the morgue to restraining belligerent patients.
"When I finished at 7 a.m. I would go home, change my clothes, and go to class," said Castle. "On a good day, I'd get four hours of sleep."
After college, in the late 1980s, Castle joined another private investigation firm, where one of her assignments took her to a local manufacturer, where she was asked to investigate complaints about the human resources director and suspicions that assembly line employees were involved with drugs.
"When I would go into these companies, I would have to get a [legitimate] job," said Castle. She spent six months working a wave solder machine, making circuit boards, and socializing with employees after work at a local pub. Castle said one employee would smuggle a flask of liquor to work and another sold cocaine.
"Understand that I have never done drugs, so not only did I have to befriend [the dealers] and buy drugs, I had to act like I knew what I was talking about," said Castle.
"I learned a lot about what police officers do," said Castle. "I wanted to be a cop."
After high school she earned her associate's degree in criminal justice at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, juggling numerous jobs during the two years.
Castle worked for a retired police officer as a private investigator, primarily following married men to confirm their infidelity, while she held down an 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at Worcester City Hospital as a security guard, where she did everything from moving bodies in the morgue to restraining belligerent patients.
"When I finished at 7 a.m. I would go home, change my clothes, and go to class," said Castle. "On a good day, I'd get four hours of sleep."
After college, in the late 1980s, Castle joined another private investigation firm, where one of her assignments took her to a local manufacturer, where she was asked to investigate complaints about the human resources director and suspicions that assembly line employees were involved with drugs.
"When I would go into these companies, I would have to get a [legitimate] job," said Castle. She spent six months working a wave solder machine, making circuit boards, and socializing with employees after work at a local pub. Castle said one employee would smuggle a flask of liquor to work and another sold cocaine.
"Understand that I have never done drugs, so not only did I have to befriend [the dealers] and buy drugs, I had to act like I knew what I was talking about," said Castle.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Two O.J. Dream Team Members Address Private Investigators
Two members of the O.J. Simpson defense team from 1994 were reunited yesterday, as famed trial lawyer F. Lee Bailey and forensic scientist Henry C. Lee addressed a conference of private investigators.
The two men have participated in some of the country’s most sensational trials and cases, from Mr. Bailey’s work in the Boston Strangler and heiress Patricia Hearst cases to Mr. Lee’s investigations into the murders of JonBenet Ramsey and Chandra Levy, the suicide of White House Counsel Vincent Foster, and the reinvestigation of the Kennedy assassination.
For anyone who has heard or read the views of Mr. Bailey, it should come as no surprise that he was critical of law enforcement and the continued use of the death penalty during his 50-minute talk.
“The biggest flaw in the judicial system in the United States has been and continues to be the reliability of the fact-finding process,” he said. The majority of facts in criminal cases are collected by law enforcement officers.
The two men have participated in some of the country’s most sensational trials and cases, from Mr. Bailey’s work in the Boston Strangler and heiress Patricia Hearst cases to Mr. Lee’s investigations into the murders of JonBenet Ramsey and Chandra Levy, the suicide of White House Counsel Vincent Foster, and the reinvestigation of the Kennedy assassination.
For anyone who has heard or read the views of Mr. Bailey, it should come as no surprise that he was critical of law enforcement and the continued use of the death penalty during his 50-minute talk.
“The biggest flaw in the judicial system in the United States has been and continues to be the reliability of the fact-finding process,” he said. The majority of facts in criminal cases are collected by law enforcement officers.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Reporter Moonlights as PI
Private investigator
Fear factor: 0. I laugh in the face of danger.
Cool factor: 10. If private eyes weren't cool, there wouldn't be so many TV shows about them.
Coulda been worse: I could've spent eight hours in a car. Midnight till dawn. In January. In a blizzard. With a full bladder. Or worse.
It was dark. Really dark. The kind of dark you only see when it's not light. Somewhere off in the black-velvet night, a shot rang out and a woman screamed.
Either that or a car backfired and a cat yowled. I get 'em confused.
My name is Yarborough. Chuck Yarborough. I'm a gumshoe. A shamus. A sherlock. A private eye. Magnum with a beard and not just that woolly bear on his upper lip. Sam Spade without the Maltese Falcon.
For today's story, I am a private investigator for Demopoulos & Associates, the firm run by Pete D. and his wife, Bonnie.
Here's how it went down: The other day, I'm sitting in my office, minding my own beeswax, checking out the racing form for Thistledown and reminiscing about the days when newsroom desk drawers came with Scotch bottles, typewriters clattered a staccato symphony and stale smoke hung in the air like yesterday's sauerkraut. And then, this dame walks in like she runs the place.
Fear factor: 0. I laugh in the face of danger.
Cool factor: 10. If private eyes weren't cool, there wouldn't be so many TV shows about them.
Coulda been worse: I could've spent eight hours in a car. Midnight till dawn. In January. In a blizzard. With a full bladder. Or worse.
It was dark. Really dark. The kind of dark you only see when it's not light. Somewhere off in the black-velvet night, a shot rang out and a woman screamed.
Either that or a car backfired and a cat yowled. I get 'em confused.
My name is Yarborough. Chuck Yarborough. I'm a gumshoe. A shamus. A sherlock. A private eye. Magnum with a beard and not just that woolly bear on his upper lip. Sam Spade without the Maltese Falcon.
For today's story, I am a private investigator for Demopoulos & Associates, the firm run by Pete D. and his wife, Bonnie.
Here's how it went down: The other day, I'm sitting in my office, minding my own beeswax, checking out the racing form for Thistledown and reminiscing about the days when newsroom desk drawers came with Scotch bottles, typewriters clattered a staccato symphony and stale smoke hung in the air like yesterday's sauerkraut. And then, this dame walks in like she runs the place.
City Hires PI to Look Into Campaign Allegations
A private investigator has been hired by the City of Dahlonega to look into allegations made by a city council candidate.
Robert Bridges, who is running for Seat 1, has accused city employees of fraudulent handling of the zoning map, obtaining free city water and embezzling funds. Most of these accusations have been made through campaign signs, ads in The Dahlonega Nugget and, most recently, a campaign letter that was mailed to every city resident in Dahlonega.
Private investigator Tim Huhn stated that Bridges declined to participate in the resulting investigation until after the elections.
As a result, city manager Bill Lewis said Monday that this would bring the current investigation to a close.
“Any time allegations of this nature are made, there is a responsibility to the citizens and to the employees named to take the claims seriously and determine whether there is any basis for them,” stated Lewis in a prepare release. “Mr. Bridges' failure to present anything to the investigator that would support his claims led the council to agree no further action on the matter is warranted.”
Robert Bridges, who is running for Seat 1, has accused city employees of fraudulent handling of the zoning map, obtaining free city water and embezzling funds. Most of these accusations have been made through campaign signs, ads in The Dahlonega Nugget and, most recently, a campaign letter that was mailed to every city resident in Dahlonega.
Private investigator Tim Huhn stated that Bridges declined to participate in the resulting investigation until after the elections.
As a result, city manager Bill Lewis said Monday that this would bring the current investigation to a close.
“Any time allegations of this nature are made, there is a responsibility to the citizens and to the employees named to take the claims seriously and determine whether there is any basis for them,” stated Lewis in a prepare release. “Mr. Bridges' failure to present anything to the investigator that would support his claims led the council to agree no further action on the matter is warranted.”
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Chercover's Sophomore Novel "Trigger City" Gets Rave Review
Chicago private investigator Ray Dudgeon is having a bad night. Rolling over onto his right side, where a beating by two crooked cops had dislocated his shoulder, he triggered a nightmare and woke up with the taste of his own blood in his mouth. "The taste of blood, sudden sweats and flashback images sometimes happened when I was wide awake," he says. "... The episodes had diminished during the months I'd spent with my grandfather down in Georgia but when I came back to Chicago they were right here waiting for me. Chicago was full of triggers. Chicago was Trigger City."
This has been an unusually rich year for crime fiction. But Sean Chercover's second Dudgeon book, after 2007's terrific "Big City, Bad Blood," manages to rise to a unique height. He seems on his way to becoming the Ross Macdonald of his time, close to rubbing shoulders with Dashiell Hammett in the Crime Writers' Hall of Fame.
Business has been bad for Dudgeon since the aftermath of his mauling, and he and his part-time trainee, Vince, now mostly try to pay the rent and buy the occasional beef sandwich at Al's #1 Italian on Taylor by doing divorce work—snooping on errant lovers and spouses for a few dirty dollars. He's even trying to find a buyer for his beloved 1968 Shelby: "It easily constituted over 80 percent of my net worth. I could barely afford the insurance on it."
So when Isaac Richmond, a retired U.S. Army Intelligence officer, hands Ray a check for $50,000 for two months' exclusive work, looking into the murder of his daughter, Dudgeon is sorely tempted. "All I had to do is take a case that had zero chance of success," he says as he tries to convince Richmond that it's hopeless.
This has been an unusually rich year for crime fiction. But Sean Chercover's second Dudgeon book, after 2007's terrific "Big City, Bad Blood," manages to rise to a unique height. He seems on his way to becoming the Ross Macdonald of his time, close to rubbing shoulders with Dashiell Hammett in the Crime Writers' Hall of Fame.
Business has been bad for Dudgeon since the aftermath of his mauling, and he and his part-time trainee, Vince, now mostly try to pay the rent and buy the occasional beef sandwich at Al's #1 Italian on Taylor by doing divorce work—snooping on errant lovers and spouses for a few dirty dollars. He's even trying to find a buyer for his beloved 1968 Shelby: "It easily constituted over 80 percent of my net worth. I could barely afford the insurance on it."
So when Isaac Richmond, a retired U.S. Army Intelligence officer, hands Ray a check for $50,000 for two months' exclusive work, looking into the murder of his daughter, Dudgeon is sorely tempted. "All I had to do is take a case that had zero chance of success," he says as he tries to convince Richmond that it's hopeless.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Private Investigator Catches Sunglass Counterfeitter
A 35-year-old Davenport man was arrested Tuesday after being accused of selling counterfeit sunglasses.
Kenneth Jason Watkins, of 2617 W. 49th St., is charged with one count of second-degree intellectual property counterfeiting.
According to the arrest affidavit, Watkins had been advertising on a Web site that he was selling Oakley “M” Frame sunglasses for $25. The “M” Frame sunglasses are a registered trademark product for Oakley.
A private investigator allegedly met Watkins on Aug. 24 and bought a pair of the sunglasses for $20.
The private investigator then sent the sunglasses to an employee of Oakley, who filed an affidavit Aug. 28 in which he said the sunglasses Watkins was selling were counterfeits of “M” Frame sunglasses that normally sell for $165.
Kenneth Jason Watkins, of 2617 W. 49th St., is charged with one count of second-degree intellectual property counterfeiting.
According to the arrest affidavit, Watkins had been advertising on a Web site that he was selling Oakley “M” Frame sunglasses for $25. The “M” Frame sunglasses are a registered trademark product for Oakley.
A private investigator allegedly met Watkins on Aug. 24 and bought a pair of the sunglasses for $20.
The private investigator then sent the sunglasses to an employee of Oakley, who filed an affidavit Aug. 28 in which he said the sunglasses Watkins was selling were counterfeits of “M” Frame sunglasses that normally sell for $165.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Private Eyes Meet in Michigan
The Michigan and Ontario Councils of Private Investigators are holding their first joint conference this week with events scheduled on both sides of the border.
During the 2-day conference, Ontario Council President Debbra MacDonald of C3 Investigations is giving participants a look at a case that required her to work undercover for months in order to get the information she needed.
"I went undercover for 4 months to find out that the alleged victim was lying," MacDonald told WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting.
"So, it was a very interesting file on a very interesting case. We have ADWC [Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted] coming out and they defend a lot of wrongly-convicted," she said.
During the 2-day conference, Ontario Council President Debbra MacDonald of C3 Investigations is giving participants a look at a case that required her to work undercover for months in order to get the information she needed.
"I went undercover for 4 months to find out that the alleged victim was lying," MacDonald told WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting.
"So, it was a very interesting file on a very interesting case. We have ADWC [Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted] coming out and they defend a lot of wrongly-convicted," she said.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
India Uses PIs to Stop Terrorism
When you go out dancing this Navratri, the woman swirling next to you in a backless choli could well be a private eye looking for suspicious elements wanting to unleash terror.
With Navratri this year being held in the backdrop of serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad and terror attacks elsewhere, many garba venues will be monitored closely, with policemen, private security personnel and desi James Bonds mingling with dancers dressed in all the finery to keep vigil.
“Undercover agents, both male and female, will be dressed in traditional kediya-dhoti and ghaghra-choli,” says M M Khan of Blackcat Secret Services. In Gujarat, private eyes have been hired over years, but mainly by worried parents to trail teenage children, NRIs to keep an eye on would-be brides and spouses suspecting their partners of infidelity.
However, the shadow of terror over the festivities this year has changed their brief, with most detectives being asked to keep their eyes open for a potential bomber rather than a cheating wife or a teenager out to have fun.
With Navratri this year being held in the backdrop of serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad and terror attacks elsewhere, many garba venues will be monitored closely, with policemen, private security personnel and desi James Bonds mingling with dancers dressed in all the finery to keep vigil.
“Undercover agents, both male and female, will be dressed in traditional kediya-dhoti and ghaghra-choli,” says M M Khan of Blackcat Secret Services. In Gujarat, private eyes have been hired over years, but mainly by worried parents to trail teenage children, NRIs to keep an eye on would-be brides and spouses suspecting their partners of infidelity.
However, the shadow of terror over the festivities this year has changed their brief, with most detectives being asked to keep their eyes open for a potential bomber rather than a cheating wife or a teenager out to have fun.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
News Crew and PI Check Out Hotel Security
Jennifer Hampton’s co-workers last saw the Alabama woman as she entered her room at the Days Inn Motel on Lovell Road. Ten days later, the medical examiner confirmed that a body found floating in Melton Hill Lake was hers.
That same day, we decided to inspect the rooms on the same side of the Days Inn that Hampton was staying in, to find out if they could be easily broken in to. Helping with the inspection was Kendall Shull, a former FBI agent who runs a private investigation firm in Knoxville.
"There doesn't appear to be some of the things I would want if my daughter, for example, was going to stay here," said Shull.
We quickly spotted our first problem, the security door guard which functions like a chain lock. It appeared to have been re-drilled at some point.
"It's obviously been broken off or repaired,” said Shull. “I don't know how secure it is and I don't know what it would take. I can guarantee that if I go out there and push or kick on the door hard enough, then I bet I can break it off of here."
We asked the Days Inn manager about the door guard and he said, “Safety is our number one priority. We try to prevent breaks before they happen through weekly checks. Anytime a lock is loose, we replace it immediately."
Since the door is the last barrier between you and a criminal, Shull continued inspecting the one in our room, right down the hall from where Hampton was saying. He said the deadbolt worked fine, but the “hard key override,” was something to be worried about.
"It just bothers me that there is a key there,” he said. “The key can be duplicated and if someone wants in they will duplicate the key."
Management at the Days Inn confirmed that maintenance and housekeeping employees have access to the key.
After inspecting the room, we drove across town to the Four Points by Sheraton’s Knoxville Cumberland House Hotel across from World’s Fair Park. Shull noted that the doors to each room had the same number and type of locks as the doors at the Days Inn. The difference was the overall construction.
That same day, we decided to inspect the rooms on the same side of the Days Inn that Hampton was staying in, to find out if they could be easily broken in to. Helping with the inspection was Kendall Shull, a former FBI agent who runs a private investigation firm in Knoxville.
"There doesn't appear to be some of the things I would want if my daughter, for example, was going to stay here," said Shull.
We quickly spotted our first problem, the security door guard which functions like a chain lock. It appeared to have been re-drilled at some point.
"It's obviously been broken off or repaired,” said Shull. “I don't know how secure it is and I don't know what it would take. I can guarantee that if I go out there and push or kick on the door hard enough, then I bet I can break it off of here."
We asked the Days Inn manager about the door guard and he said, “Safety is our number one priority. We try to prevent breaks before they happen through weekly checks. Anytime a lock is loose, we replace it immediately."
Since the door is the last barrier between you and a criminal, Shull continued inspecting the one in our room, right down the hall from where Hampton was saying. He said the deadbolt worked fine, but the “hard key override,” was something to be worried about.
"It just bothers me that there is a key there,” he said. “The key can be duplicated and if someone wants in they will duplicate the key."
Management at the Days Inn confirmed that maintenance and housekeeping employees have access to the key.
After inspecting the room, we drove across town to the Four Points by Sheraton’s Knoxville Cumberland House Hotel across from World’s Fair Park. Shull noted that the doors to each room had the same number and type of locks as the doors at the Days Inn. The difference was the overall construction.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
PI Discovers Major Town Council Gaffe
Bungling town hall officials were condemned today after the locations of domestic violence safe houses were made publicly available on an official council website - for eight years.
Full addresses, complete with street numbers and postcodes were listed under the helpful heading 'safe houses'.
Safe house locations are supposed to be a kept a strict secret to protect victims from their abusive partners, as well as to safeguard police witnesses from reprisals during trials.
But today it emerged that the whereabouts of five shelters were accidentally published on the website of Northamptonshire's Corby Borough Council, alongside the addresses of sports venues, lock-ups and community centres.
The bungle meant the list of addresses has been easily accessible for eight years - and even came out top of a simple search using Google.
They were discovered within seconds by private investigators who were tracking a single mother and her children. Investigators also found proposed safe house locations in council minutes posted online - marked 'not for publication'.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
PI's Cases Range From Mundane to High-Profile
Many people view his line of work with awe or disdain, but Ron Lax says being a private investigator isn't as glamorous, exciting or unsavory as often perceived.
"I enjoy what I do. It's rewarding. It's fun. It's just nothing like portrayed on TV and in the movies," said Lax, president and owner of Inquisitor Inc.
Marking its 30th anniversary recently, Inquisitor offers a full range of investigative services in such areas as insurance fraud and corporate theft but handles few domestic cases.
Lax is personally drawn to criminal defense work, especially death-penalty cases. Before working on a murder-conviction appeal in the late 1980s, Lax said he didn't give much thought to capital punishment.
"If you would have asked me back then, I would have said, 'Sure, I'm for the death penalty,'" he said. "But then I started looking at the death penalty, and I realized how unfair it was.
"Law enforcement and (district attorneys) usually do have the right person, but sometimes they don't. Innocent people are convicted, and guilty people go free. It's definitely lopsided. If someone has a good attorney, they can buy a very good defense."
Lax has investigated -- sometimes on a volunteer basis -- numerous high-profile capital murder cases, including the West Memphis Three.
In 2006, Lax was honored by the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for his "extraordinary work in the arena of capital defense investigations." He has worked cases as far away as California, Montana and Hawaii.
"I enjoy what I do. It's rewarding. It's fun. It's just nothing like portrayed on TV and in the movies," said Lax, president and owner of Inquisitor Inc.
Marking its 30th anniversary recently, Inquisitor offers a full range of investigative services in such areas as insurance fraud and corporate theft but handles few domestic cases.
Lax is personally drawn to criminal defense work, especially death-penalty cases. Before working on a murder-conviction appeal in the late 1980s, Lax said he didn't give much thought to capital punishment.
"If you would have asked me back then, I would have said, 'Sure, I'm for the death penalty,'" he said. "But then I started looking at the death penalty, and I realized how unfair it was.
"Law enforcement and (district attorneys) usually do have the right person, but sometimes they don't. Innocent people are convicted, and guilty people go free. It's definitely lopsided. If someone has a good attorney, they can buy a very good defense."
Lax has investigated -- sometimes on a volunteer basis -- numerous high-profile capital murder cases, including the West Memphis Three.
In 2006, Lax was honored by the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for his "extraordinary work in the arena of capital defense investigations." He has worked cases as far away as California, Montana and Hawaii.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Florida Eye Institue Founder Felt Threatened
Florida Eye Institute founder Dr. Paul Minotty says he had a security system installed in the three-story building because he believed there was a conspiracy against him, threatening his well-being.
Minotty told jurors on Tuesday he wanted protection fearing that he was going to set up for an arrest for drunken driving following a Christmas party in 2007.
He also told jurors he heard a clinic employee bought a 50-caliber military rifle.
Circuit Judge Robert Hawley cautioned jurors that Minotty's testimony should only be used in judging the defendant's state of mind rather the truth of the assertions.
Minotty is on trial in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit brought by three of the institute's six doctor-owners. The three contend Minotty financially mismanaged the firm, over their objections, and allegedly resorted to having electronic surveillance equipment secretly installed in their private offices in violation of state law.
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages and want the institute put in a business receivership.
Minotty told jurors on Tuesday he wanted protection fearing that he was going to set up for an arrest for drunken driving following a Christmas party in 2007.
He also told jurors he heard a clinic employee bought a 50-caliber military rifle.
Circuit Judge Robert Hawley cautioned jurors that Minotty's testimony should only be used in judging the defendant's state of mind rather the truth of the assertions.
Minotty is on trial in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit brought by three of the institute's six doctor-owners. The three contend Minotty financially mismanaged the firm, over their objections, and allegedly resorted to having electronic surveillance equipment secretly installed in their private offices in violation of state law.
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages and want the institute put in a business receivership.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Private Eye Tracks Down Missing Dog
Members of a Derbyshire family have been reunited with their missing dog after hiring a private investigator to track it down.
The Kecks suspected their dog, a basset hound, had been stolen from their home in August last year.
A website appeal, a call to police and a search by the RSPCA failed to find the animal.
A chance encounter with another basset owner gave daughter Alicia, 22, the potential lead they were looking for. Someone had "found" a dog fitting the description at about the same time the pet went missing.
The Kecks hired a private investigator to look into the possible link and the pet, now a two-year-old, was traced to another family in Long Eaton, about 30 miles away.
The Kecks suspected their dog, a basset hound, had been stolen from their home in August last year.
A website appeal, a call to police and a search by the RSPCA failed to find the animal.
A chance encounter with another basset owner gave daughter Alicia, 22, the potential lead they were looking for. Someone had "found" a dog fitting the description at about the same time the pet went missing.
The Kecks hired a private investigator to look into the possible link and the pet, now a two-year-old, was traced to another family in Long Eaton, about 30 miles away.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Father and Son Reunited After 30 Long Years
An east London man’s burning desire to meet his long lost father and a local private investigator’s Sherlock Holmes skills recently brought closure to a seven-year search.
Dreams turned into reality for Beacon Bay businessman Richard Terwin, 30, when he f inally came face to face with his estranged father two weeks ago.
The heartwarming union between Terwin and his father, Charalampos Vorreas, 69, happened in Cuba after persistent and determined investigations by private eye Christian Botha.
“Once I start something, I want to finish it ,” said Botha, relating how it took him almost seven years to solve the case.
Equipped with only a nickname (Babis), and the name of the ship on which Vorreas had worked, Botha began his epic investigation, which involved global connections with other investigators.
“All Richard could provide me with was that his father was a marine engineer who worked on a vessel that had been docked in East London for some time to undergo repairs. There was also a letter from the ship’s captain written to Richard’s mother allowing her entry on board the ship. That was all,” said Botha.
Dreams turned into reality for Beacon Bay businessman Richard Terwin, 30, when he f inally came face to face with his estranged father two weeks ago.
The heartwarming union between Terwin and his father, Charalampos Vorreas, 69, happened in Cuba after persistent and determined investigations by private eye Christian Botha.
“Once I start something, I want to finish it ,” said Botha, relating how it took him almost seven years to solve the case.
Equipped with only a nickname (Babis), and the name of the ship on which Vorreas had worked, Botha began his epic investigation, which involved global connections with other investigators.
“All Richard could provide me with was that his father was a marine engineer who worked on a vessel that had been docked in East London for some time to undergo repairs. There was also a letter from the ship’s captain written to Richard’s mother allowing her entry on board the ship. That was all,” said Botha.
Shrine Bowl Chairman Charged with Embezzlement
The chairman of the annual East/West Shrine Bowl football game in Great Falls has been arrested on charges that he embezzled $55,000 from the charity event.
Prosecutors allege that Jerrold Evans, 78, wrote checks to himself from the organization's bank account during the past three years.
Evans, who has no previous criminal record, according to court documents, made his initial appearance in Cascade County District Court on Wednesday. He was released after posting bond.
According to the charging document filed by prosecutors, Evans told a private investigator that a problem with alcohol and gambling led him to steal money from ticket sales for the game and donations, both of which were meant for a children's hospital.
The Great Falls chapter of the Shrine Club oversees the Shrine Bowl, an annual all-star game for the previous year's top high-school seniors. Since its inception in 1947, the game has raised more than $1 million for the Shriners' pediatric hospital in Spokane. The game is played at Memorial Stadium.
Prosecutors allege that Jerrold Evans, 78, wrote checks to himself from the organization's bank account during the past three years.
Evans, who has no previous criminal record, according to court documents, made his initial appearance in Cascade County District Court on Wednesday. He was released after posting bond.
According to the charging document filed by prosecutors, Evans told a private investigator that a problem with alcohol and gambling led him to steal money from ticket sales for the game and donations, both of which were meant for a children's hospital.
The Great Falls chapter of the Shrine Club oversees the Shrine Bowl, an annual all-star game for the previous year's top high-school seniors. Since its inception in 1947, the game has raised more than $1 million for the Shriners' pediatric hospital in Spokane. The game is played at Memorial Stadium.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
PI Helps Locate Missing Children
A former lieutenant with the Waldo County Sheriff's Department, who now works as a private investigator, assisted authorities in finding two girls who went missing Monday, Aug. 24, from Maine.
Jodie Perfect of Carroll Plantation hired Gary Boynton, who operates World Wide Investigations in Belfast, to help find her two daughters, Aleah Perfect, 6, and Amara Perfect, 2.
Jodie Perfect reported the girls missing Monday, Aug. 25, after their father and her estranged husband, Peter Perfect, 44, did not bring the girls home Sunday.
Jodie Perfect hired Boynton, a 26-year veteran of the Waldo County Sheriff's Department, soon after reporting her daughters missing to the Maine State Police.
Jodie Perfect had reportedly recently served her husband with divorce papers.
Friday afternoon, Boynton returned from Ohio with Jodie Perfect and her daughters after retrieving them from the home of Peter Perfect's brother in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Jodie Perfect of Carroll Plantation hired Gary Boynton, who operates World Wide Investigations in Belfast, to help find her two daughters, Aleah Perfect, 6, and Amara Perfect, 2.
Jodie Perfect reported the girls missing Monday, Aug. 25, after their father and her estranged husband, Peter Perfect, 44, did not bring the girls home Sunday.
Jodie Perfect hired Boynton, a 26-year veteran of the Waldo County Sheriff's Department, soon after reporting her daughters missing to the Maine State Police.
Jodie Perfect had reportedly recently served her husband with divorce papers.
Friday afternoon, Boynton returned from Ohio with Jodie Perfect and her daughters after retrieving them from the home of Peter Perfect's brother in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
PI in Rockefeller Case Talks About His Profession
Marshfield private detective G. Robert Warren has been named as a witness in the case of Clark Rockefeller, who is charged with abducting his 7-year-old daughter in Boston last month.
The incident sparked an international manhunt for Rockefeller and his daughter, Reigh Boss. Rockefeller was arrested outside Baltimore earlier this month.
Warren, of Diverse Investigative Services in Webster Square in Marshfield, confirmed that Boston police have named him as a witness, but would not comment on the investigation.
But he did say most of a private eye’s work isn’t so exciting.
“Most of the time, it’s slow, mundane, boring,” he said. “You sit for hours and hours and hours on surveillance. If you blink, you might miss what you’re waiting to see.”
The incident sparked an international manhunt for Rockefeller and his daughter, Reigh Boss. Rockefeller was arrested outside Baltimore earlier this month.
Warren, of Diverse Investigative Services in Webster Square in Marshfield, confirmed that Boston police have named him as a witness, but would not comment on the investigation.
But he did say most of a private eye’s work isn’t so exciting.
“Most of the time, it’s slow, mundane, boring,” he said. “You sit for hours and hours and hours on surveillance. If you blink, you might miss what you’re waiting to see.”
"Investigator to the Stars" Convicted in Wiretapping
Anthony Pellicano, a private investigator who once worked for Hollywood stars, and a prominent lawyer, Terry N. Christensen, were convicted Friday in the wiretapping of the ex-wife of the investor Kirk Kerkorian in a child-support case.
Both Mr. Christensen and Mr. Pellicano, 65, were convicted of conspiracy to commit wiretapping in Federal District Court here. Mr. Christensen was also convicted of aiding and abetting a wiretap; Mr. Pellicano was also convicted of wiretapping.
The conclusion of the six-week trial before Federal District Judge Dale S. Fischer opens the door for a number of civil suits against the two men as well as several others in the case. The suits, which were delayed during the criminal proceedings, largely involve victims of wiretapping seeking damages for incidents in which private conversations were recorded.
Both Mr. Christensen and Mr. Pellicano, 65, were convicted of conspiracy to commit wiretapping in Federal District Court here. Mr. Christensen was also convicted of aiding and abetting a wiretap; Mr. Pellicano was also convicted of wiretapping.
The conclusion of the six-week trial before Federal District Judge Dale S. Fischer opens the door for a number of civil suits against the two men as well as several others in the case. The suits, which were delayed during the criminal proceedings, largely involve victims of wiretapping seeking damages for incidents in which private conversations were recorded.
Republican VP Nominee in Ethics Probe
A state ethics probe that was launched just a few weeks ago is already drawing attention in the opening moments of her debut as the Republican vice presidential pick is Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
An independent investigator appointed by a panel of state legislators earlier this month is looking into whether Ms. Palin dismissed a top law enforcement official in her administration because he failed to fire a state trooper, Mike Wooten, who went through a messy divorce with Ms. Palin’s sister.
The investigation follows on the heels of Ms. Palin’s abrupt decision in mid-July to dismiss Walt Monegan, her Public Safety Commissioner. Ms. Palin said she wanted to take the department in a different direction, but questions emerged after Mr. Monegan said he felt pressured to fire Mr. Wooten.
Mr. Monegan said members of Ms. Palin’s administration, as well Ms. Palin’s husband, Todd, and the governor herself talked to him about Mr. Wooten.
Mr. Monegan told the Anchorage Daily News that Mr. Palin showed him some of the findings of a private investigator the family had hired and accused him of variety of misdeeds, including drunk driving and child abuse.
An independent investigator appointed by a panel of state legislators earlier this month is looking into whether Ms. Palin dismissed a top law enforcement official in her administration because he failed to fire a state trooper, Mike Wooten, who went through a messy divorce with Ms. Palin’s sister.
The investigation follows on the heels of Ms. Palin’s abrupt decision in mid-July to dismiss Walt Monegan, her Public Safety Commissioner. Ms. Palin said she wanted to take the department in a different direction, but questions emerged after Mr. Monegan said he felt pressured to fire Mr. Wooten.
Mr. Monegan said members of Ms. Palin’s administration, as well Ms. Palin’s husband, Todd, and the governor herself talked to him about Mr. Wooten.
Mr. Monegan told the Anchorage Daily News that Mr. Palin showed him some of the findings of a private investigator the family had hired and accused him of variety of misdeeds, including drunk driving and child abuse.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Boom Time for Job Site Thieves
Sue Wentz and her husband, Eugene, saved for five years, living in a modest home in a low-income neighborhood of Houston, before they broke ground in January on a 4,300-square-foot house on 12 acres in Magnolia, Tex., a woodsy suburb about 40 miles northwest of the city. They are overseeing the construction themselves to control costs. So it was with dismay that they arrived at the job site one morning in July to find that all the copper wiring and air-conditioning tubing had been ripped out of the rough frame of the house.
Besides the financial hit — $11,000 — the theft took a psychological toll. “I felt so violated, and now I don’t trust anyone,” said Ms. Wentz, who teaches English at a community college.
The couple, along with Ryan, their 7-month-old son, spent nine nights in a tent on the property to guard the place until workers could put Sheetrock over replacement wiring. Moreover, Mr. Wentz, an airline pilot, boarded up all of the entrances, limiting access to a single security door with two deadbolts and no handle. “Now we lock it up every night, and when the contractors arrive the next morning, they call us and we tell them where we hid the key,” he said.
According to professional homebuilders, law enforcement officials and insurers, the Wentzes’ experience is not unique. Larceny at residential construction sites across the country has increased significantly in the last two years because of soaring prices of building materials like copper, lumber and cement, they said. The National Association of Home Builders, a trade group, estimates that the annual cost of theft to the industry has reached $5 billion. The problem has meant higher material and insurance costs for builders, who pass them along to buyers, sometimes to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. In the end, that can add as much as 10 percent to the cost of a home, builders and developers said.
Besides the financial hit — $11,000 — the theft took a psychological toll. “I felt so violated, and now I don’t trust anyone,” said Ms. Wentz, who teaches English at a community college.
The couple, along with Ryan, their 7-month-old son, spent nine nights in a tent on the property to guard the place until workers could put Sheetrock over replacement wiring. Moreover, Mr. Wentz, an airline pilot, boarded up all of the entrances, limiting access to a single security door with two deadbolts and no handle. “Now we lock it up every night, and when the contractors arrive the next morning, they call us and we tell them where we hid the key,” he said.
According to professional homebuilders, law enforcement officials and insurers, the Wentzes’ experience is not unique. Larceny at residential construction sites across the country has increased significantly in the last two years because of soaring prices of building materials like copper, lumber and cement, they said. The National Association of Home Builders, a trade group, estimates that the annual cost of theft to the industry has reached $5 billion. The problem has meant higher material and insurance costs for builders, who pass them along to buyers, sometimes to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. In the end, that can add as much as 10 percent to the cost of a home, builders and developers said.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
PI Witnessed Kidnapping
As the fame-seeking phony who calls himself Clark Rockefeller appeared on TV to plead his case, the adorable daughter he snatched was out of hiding and with her mother in London yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Herald has learned that Sandra Lynne Boss had hired a private investigator to tail her former husband prior to the alleged kidnapping.
According to a law enforcement source, Boss, 41, used the detective to keep an eye on Rockefeller - who authorities have identified as Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter - during his first supervised visit with 7-year-old Reigh “Snooks” Storrow Mills Boss on July 27.
The mother’s fears were realized when he snatched Snooks off a Back Bay street, touching off a five-day international manhunt.
Meanwhile, the Herald has learned that Sandra Lynne Boss had hired a private investigator to tail her former husband prior to the alleged kidnapping.
According to a law enforcement source, Boss, 41, used the detective to keep an eye on Rockefeller - who authorities have identified as Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter - during his first supervised visit with 7-year-old Reigh “Snooks” Storrow Mills Boss on July 27.
The mother’s fears were realized when he snatched Snooks off a Back Bay street, touching off a five-day international manhunt.
PI Witnessed Kidnapping
As the fame-seeking phony who calls himself Clark Rockefeller appeared on TV to plead his case, the adorable daughter he snatched was out of hiding and with her mother in London yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Herald has learned that Sandra Lynne Boss had hired a private investigator to tail her former husband prior to the alleged kidnapping.
According to a law enforcement source, Boss, 41, used the detective to keep an eye on Rockefeller - who authorities have identified as Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter - during his first supervised visit with 7-year-old Reigh “Snooks” Storrow Mills Boss on July 27.
The mother’s fears were realized when he snatched Snooks off a Back Bay street, touching off a five-day international manhunt.
Meanwhile, the Herald has learned that Sandra Lynne Boss had hired a private investigator to tail her former husband prior to the alleged kidnapping.
According to a law enforcement source, Boss, 41, used the detective to keep an eye on Rockefeller - who authorities have identified as Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter - during his first supervised visit with 7-year-old Reigh “Snooks” Storrow Mills Boss on July 27.
The mother’s fears were realized when he snatched Snooks off a Back Bay street, touching off a five-day international manhunt.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Do Computer Snoops Need PI Licenses?
By now, we all know how the Recording Industry Association of America nabs alleged file sharers, more than 20,000 lawsuits and counting: Hired snoops from MediaSentry -- aka SafeNet -- log onto Kazaa, Limewire or other file sharing programs, peer into open share folders, take screen shots, download a few files and obtain the offending IP addresses.
But in a few states – Michigan, Texas, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon and Arizona -- the RIAA's investigators have come under attack by state governments or RIAA defendants. Reason: they are not licensed private investigators in their respective states. Michigan recently told (.pdf) MediaSentry it needed a license to continue practicing.
But demanding a private investigator's license doesn't make such sense for computer forensic work, according to the American Bar Association. In a recent report, the country's largest legal lobbying group urges the states to jettison the idea of, or licensing requirement for computer forensic specialists, especially since most state licensing boards don't demand education in such work
But in a few states – Michigan, Texas, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon and Arizona -- the RIAA's investigators have come under attack by state governments or RIAA defendants. Reason: they are not licensed private investigators in their respective states. Michigan recently told (.pdf) MediaSentry it needed a license to continue practicing.
But demanding a private investigator's license doesn't make such sense for computer forensic work, according to the American Bar Association. In a recent report, the country's largest legal lobbying group urges the states to jettison the idea of, or licensing requirement for computer forensic specialists, especially since most state licensing boards don't demand education in such work
PIs Bust Drug Dealer
A drug dealer who was brazenly trading from his own front door was jailed for three years seven months today as a result of a secret spy camera being trained on his home by a private detective.
The camera recorded about 20 people a day calling at Francis Nisbet's home to buy heroin.
The surveillance operation had set up by a private investigator working for Nisbet's landlords, the Knightstone Housing Association, after neighbours complained about his drug dealing.
Police were later told of what the hidden CCTV footage was revealing and moved in to arrest Nisbet after 20 further days of observation showed officers that he was indeed selling drugs every day from his home.
At Gloucester crown court Nisbet, 32, of Buddleia court, Wisteria Way, Churchdown, Gloucester, was jailed for three years seven months after he admitted having heroin with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of the drug and possessing cannabis.
The camera recorded about 20 people a day calling at Francis Nisbet's home to buy heroin.
The surveillance operation had set up by a private investigator working for Nisbet's landlords, the Knightstone Housing Association, after neighbours complained about his drug dealing.
Police were later told of what the hidden CCTV footage was revealing and moved in to arrest Nisbet after 20 further days of observation showed officers that he was indeed selling drugs every day from his home.
At Gloucester crown court Nisbet, 32, of Buddleia court, Wisteria Way, Churchdown, Gloucester, was jailed for three years seven months after he admitted having heroin with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of the drug and possessing cannabis.
Dad Trying to Raise Funds to Hire PI to Find Daughter
The father of missing Dublin teenager Amy Fitzpatrick is campaigning to raise funds to hire a private investigator to help in the search for his daughter in Spain.
Christopher Fitzpatrick wants to bring in an independent investigator to help find the 16-year-old, who has not been seen since she failed to return to her Spanish home on January 1.
She had been living in the tourist resort of Riviera del Sol on the Costa del Sol for the past few years with her mother but went missing after she left a friend's house to walk the 10-minute journey home.
Her father, who lives in Ireland, wants to hire a private investigator, and has also called for CCTV footage from the track along which she apparently walked home to be examined.
Christopher Fitzpatrick wants to bring in an independent investigator to help find the 16-year-old, who has not been seen since she failed to return to her Spanish home on January 1.
She had been living in the tourist resort of Riviera del Sol on the Costa del Sol for the past few years with her mother but went missing after she left a friend's house to walk the 10-minute journey home.
Her father, who lives in Ireland, wants to hire a private investigator, and has also called for CCTV footage from the track along which she apparently walked home to be examined.
Monday, August 25, 2008
How Lawyers Work with Private Eyes
In one of their first phone calls, the lawyer and his private investigator outlined in no uncertain terms one ground rule: Their discussions were to be strictly confidential.
"The conversations are just between you and I," the private eye tells the attorney.
"Right," the attorney says.
"Period," the private eye adds.
In the end, however, their conversations were anything but confidential. That phone call and dozens of other recordings were played in federal court in Los Angeles this month, where the attorney, Terry Christensen, and the private detective, Anthony Pellicano, are on trial for allegedly conspiring to wiretap the former wife of billionaire Kirk Kerkorian.
Because Pellicano was a well-known sleuth-to-the-stars, with clients such as comedian Chris Rock and actor Tom Cruise, his legal troubles have generated interest in Hollywood circles. But his current trial is also being closely followed by Los Angeles' legal community because it thrusts into the limelight a type of relationship the public rarely sees: that of a lawyer and his private investigator.
"The conversations are just between you and I," the private eye tells the attorney.
"Right," the attorney says.
"Period," the private eye adds.
In the end, however, their conversations were anything but confidential. That phone call and dozens of other recordings were played in federal court in Los Angeles this month, where the attorney, Terry Christensen, and the private detective, Anthony Pellicano, are on trial for allegedly conspiring to wiretap the former wife of billionaire Kirk Kerkorian.
Because Pellicano was a well-known sleuth-to-the-stars, with clients such as comedian Chris Rock and actor Tom Cruise, his legal troubles have generated interest in Hollywood circles. But his current trial is also being closely followed by Los Angeles' legal community because it thrusts into the limelight a type of relationship the public rarely sees: that of a lawyer and his private investigator.
Thieves Target Pricey Boats on Florida's Coasts
A criminal ring thought to be working its way up Florida's west coast is suspected in the recent thefts of five high-priced Pinellas County boats, the type often used to smuggle illegal immigrants into the country.
"These are not random acts," said Charlie Meacham, a Jacksonville-based private investigator working for several insurance companies to try to recover the stolen boats. "These guys are professionals. They are in and out, and before you know it, the boat is in Mexico."
Meacham, who is investigating several of the Pinellas County thefts, just returned from Cancun, where he says he found 44 boats reported stolen in Florida.
"They all had fraudulent registration numbers," he said. "We are currently working with the Mexican government to see if we can get these boats returned to their owners."
Smugglers of both illegal immigrants and drugs favor multiengine "go-fast boats" with large fuel capacities, the same features that make the vessels appealing to tournament fishermen.
"These multiengine, go-fast boats … are often targeted by smugglers of both narcotics and human cargo," said Zach Mann, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Immigration in Miami. "Vessels of this kind are routinely intercepted on the water by our officers."
"These are not random acts," said Charlie Meacham, a Jacksonville-based private investigator working for several insurance companies to try to recover the stolen boats. "These guys are professionals. They are in and out, and before you know it, the boat is in Mexico."
Meacham, who is investigating several of the Pinellas County thefts, just returned from Cancun, where he says he found 44 boats reported stolen in Florida.
"They all had fraudulent registration numbers," he said. "We are currently working with the Mexican government to see if we can get these boats returned to their owners."
Smugglers of both illegal immigrants and drugs favor multiengine "go-fast boats" with large fuel capacities, the same features that make the vessels appealing to tournament fishermen.
"These multiengine, go-fast boats … are often targeted by smugglers of both narcotics and human cargo," said Zach Mann, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Immigration in Miami. "Vessels of this kind are routinely intercepted on the water by our officers."
PI Discuess Iolani Palace Security
The state has beefed up security at Iolani Palace after a Hawaiian sovereignty group took it over briefly a week ago.
KITV sought the advice of a security expert who found some simple and relatively inexpensive measures that could have slowed or prevented the recent palace takeover.
Sovereignty activists chained Iolani Palace's gates on Aug. 15, sealing off the grounds. A week later, the gates are still vulnerable, private investigator Steve Goodenow said.
"Anyone can manipulate them," he said.
Goodenow has spent 40 years working in the security and private investigation industry.
He said a low-tech and relatively cheap solution would be to chain or lock them open. A more expensive option would be to modify the gates so they are electronically controlled.
KITV sought the advice of a security expert who found some simple and relatively inexpensive measures that could have slowed or prevented the recent palace takeover.
Sovereignty activists chained Iolani Palace's gates on Aug. 15, sealing off the grounds. A week later, the gates are still vulnerable, private investigator Steve Goodenow said.
"Anyone can manipulate them," he said.
Goodenow has spent 40 years working in the security and private investigation industry.
He said a low-tech and relatively cheap solution would be to chain or lock them open. A more expensive option would be to modify the gates so they are electronically controlled.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Trial Collapses After Juror Turns Investigator
A manslaughter trial collapsed after a juror decided to investigate the case himself.
Dale Paterson, 18, was being tried over the death of 71-year-old taxi driver Raymond Quigley, who suffered a fatal heart attack during a struggle about a fare.
As the proceedings entered their sixth day yesterday at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge David Hodson received a three-page list containing 37 questions about the case - and a map from Google Earth of the scene.
It then emerged one of the jurors had been carrying out his own investigations. The court heard the man had:
* been to the death scene and photographed it;
* measured a fence which is at the centre of evidence;
* carried out research into his own theories about what might have happened on the night.
Among the varied questions he passed to the judge included demands for more information on Patterson's baggy skateboard-style clothing.
The middle-aged juror also wanted to know whether there were any clues from his mobile telephone and bank statements.
He also asked whether the jury could hear the audiotape of the police interview of a prosecution witness.
The questions indicated the juror must have visited the scene of the incident, and contained information which neither the prosecution nor the defence had put before the panel to consider.
Dale Paterson, 18, was being tried over the death of 71-year-old taxi driver Raymond Quigley, who suffered a fatal heart attack during a struggle about a fare.
As the proceedings entered their sixth day yesterday at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge David Hodson received a three-page list containing 37 questions about the case - and a map from Google Earth of the scene.
It then emerged one of the jurors had been carrying out his own investigations. The court heard the man had:
* been to the death scene and photographed it;
* measured a fence which is at the centre of evidence;
* carried out research into his own theories about what might have happened on the night.
Among the varied questions he passed to the judge included demands for more information on Patterson's baggy skateboard-style clothing.
The middle-aged juror also wanted to know whether there were any clues from his mobile telephone and bank statements.
He also asked whether the jury could hear the audiotape of the police interview of a prosecution witness.
The questions indicated the juror must have visited the scene of the incident, and contained information which neither the prosecution nor the defence had put before the panel to consider.
PI Undercovers Link Between UM and Ponzi Scheme
It was a way to make a lot of money with big returns promised. But it's now confirmed the FBI is investigating an international investment scheme that allegedly scammed more than $30-million. That investigation has led to an unlikely place – the University of Miami, one of the nations leading research schools.
Investigators and alleged victims say the computers, employees and offices on the campus were used in a massive fraud scheme that lost investors tens of millions of dollars.
"Accountants, lawyers, retired law enforcement officers, business people, it's a shame," said Wayne Black, a private investigator. "Some dipped into their 401K for the quick turn around."
Those investors say the scheme, complete with detailed flow charts and fake invoices, was masterminded by Andres Pimstein, a UM business school graduate. Court papers from lawsuits against Pimstein outline how the scheme allegedly worked.
Investigators and alleged victims say the computers, employees and offices on the campus were used in a massive fraud scheme that lost investors tens of millions of dollars.
"Accountants, lawyers, retired law enforcement officers, business people, it's a shame," said Wayne Black, a private investigator. "Some dipped into their 401K for the quick turn around."
Those investors say the scheme, complete with detailed flow charts and fake invoices, was masterminded by Andres Pimstein, a UM business school graduate. Court papers from lawsuits against Pimstein outline how the scheme allegedly worked.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
PI Jailed for Posing as Australian Federal Police
A corrupt Sydney private eye was sentenced to a year-long jail term after using the guise of an Australian Federal Police agent to taunt a 77-year-old woman.
The intimidating hoax began when the woman challenged Brett Sutcliffe, 28, for parking in a disabled parking zone outside her North Bondi residence.
Sutcliffe, the then director of a private investigation firm named Spousebusters, recorded the incident from a surveillance device in his parked car. The woman had requested Sutcliffe move so she could unload her shopping but the Spousebuster told her he couldn’t because he was an investigator.
The intimidating hoax began when the woman challenged Brett Sutcliffe, 28, for parking in a disabled parking zone outside her North Bondi residence.
Sutcliffe, the then director of a private investigation firm named Spousebusters, recorded the incident from a surveillance device in his parked car. The woman had requested Sutcliffe move so she could unload her shopping but the Spousebuster told her he couldn’t because he was an investigator.
Monday, August 18, 2008
PIs, Social Networking Sites Help Vet Jurors
In last year's federal terrorism case against once-suspected "dirty bomber" Jose Padilla, a team of defense lawyers were sitting at a back table in the Miami federal courtroom with their laptops searching online all the jurors when they discovered one had lied on her jury questionnaire.
The woman, a Miami-area government employee who has not been identified, said she had no personal experience in the criminal system.
It turned out she was currently under investigation for malfeasance, according to Linda Moreno, a Tampa, Fla., solo trial lawyer who served as a jury consultant for one of Padilla's co-defendants. After the judge was informed, she dismissed the juror.
The Miami case was not unusual. As more and more information on people becomes available on the Internet, through posting on personal blogs, MySpace, Facebook and other social networking Web sites, the Internet has, in the last few years, become an important tool for jury consultants and trial lawyers.
Jury consultants say such sites are a treasure trove of information about potential and seated jurors that can be used in picking the right jurors, bouncing potential jurors and even influencing jurors through the trial and in closing arguments.
To mine the gold, jury consultants have begun turning to private investigators, some of whom have started niche businesses offering Internet jury research and "personality profiling" of jurors.
The woman, a Miami-area government employee who has not been identified, said she had no personal experience in the criminal system.
It turned out she was currently under investigation for malfeasance, according to Linda Moreno, a Tampa, Fla., solo trial lawyer who served as a jury consultant for one of Padilla's co-defendants. After the judge was informed, she dismissed the juror.
The Miami case was not unusual. As more and more information on people becomes available on the Internet, through posting on personal blogs, MySpace, Facebook and other social networking Web sites, the Internet has, in the last few years, become an important tool for jury consultants and trial lawyers.
Jury consultants say such sites are a treasure trove of information about potential and seated jurors that can be used in picking the right jurors, bouncing potential jurors and even influencing jurors through the trial and in closing arguments.
To mine the gold, jury consultants have begun turning to private investigators, some of whom have started niche businesses offering Internet jury research and "personality profiling" of jurors.
PIs Catch Counterfeitters
Four men were arrested on charges that they sold counterfeit merchandise at Traders World.
Police were contacted by a pair of private investigators Saturday who have contracts with various trademark holders, such as Nike, Coach, and Tiffany & Co.
The investigators purchased a $60 watch advertised by a Traders World vendor as a Rolex, which they later determined was phony, and police on Saturday arrested vendors Mamadou Abderrahmane and Abou Morou Keita.
Police were contacted by a pair of private investigators Saturday who have contracts with various trademark holders, such as Nike, Coach, and Tiffany & Co.
The investigators purchased a $60 watch advertised by a Traders World vendor as a Rolex, which they later determined was phony, and police on Saturday arrested vendors Mamadou Abderrahmane and Abou Morou Keita.
New Zealand Police to Work with PIs
Detective Inspector Paul Berry, who heads the National Bureau of Investigation Support, has been appointed by deputy commissioner Rob Pope to "reinvigorate" the relationship between police and the security industry.
He aims to have all parties working together in a common bid to reduce crime and increase community safety.
Berry told the Sunday Star-Times that police already benefited from the work private investigators did, especially in investigating dishonesty in the workplace.
Trevor Morley, president of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators (NZIPI), said for many private investigators, up to 70% of their cases involved dishonest employees.
He aims to have all parties working together in a common bid to reduce crime and increase community safety.
Berry told the Sunday Star-Times that police already benefited from the work private investigators did, especially in investigating dishonesty in the workplace.
Trevor Morley, president of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators (NZIPI), said for many private investigators, up to 70% of their cases involved dishonest employees.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Private Spies
Think private detective and what springs to mind? The worldweary, chain-smoking Philip Marlowe? Sherlock Holmes solving another crime with his sidekick Watson? Even Magnum P.I. and his impressive moustache jaunting around Hawaii in a flashy sports car? And really, who could blame you?
Over the last century, few professions have been infused with as much daring, glamour and intrigue as that of the private detective. As a trip to the crime section of any book shop will reveal, authors have always been fascinated with private investigators, while Hollywood and television annually churn out yet more films and shows on detectives, the vast majority of which only add further mystique to the sleuth. Still, one thing holds true: as you might expect, private detectives are a suspicious bunch and none of those I spoke to would allow me to use their full names or have their photographs taken.
"Sad to report, but for the most part, the reality of being a private detective is not like it has been depicted in television, films or books," says Ron, a private detective with Dublin firm Eye Spy. "No two days are the same but it's not international espionage or fortunes-at-stake stuff. I've yet to see a private investigator driving a Ferrari, although there are a couple who wear sunglasses day and night -- but that wouldn't be my idea of blending in."
Over the last century, few professions have been infused with as much daring, glamour and intrigue as that of the private detective. As a trip to the crime section of any book shop will reveal, authors have always been fascinated with private investigators, while Hollywood and television annually churn out yet more films and shows on detectives, the vast majority of which only add further mystique to the sleuth. Still, one thing holds true: as you might expect, private detectives are a suspicious bunch and none of those I spoke to would allow me to use their full names or have their photographs taken.
"Sad to report, but for the most part, the reality of being a private detective is not like it has been depicted in television, films or books," says Ron, a private detective with Dublin firm Eye Spy. "No two days are the same but it's not international espionage or fortunes-at-stake stuff. I've yet to see a private investigator driving a Ferrari, although there are a couple who wear sunglasses day and night -- but that wouldn't be my idea of blending in."
Private Investigator Alerts Man of Lottery Win
A Castle Rock man turned a losing lottery ticket into a record-setting winner thanks to Colorado’s Second Chance drawing.
Calvin Beamon won $1 million with a $20 Colorado Millionaire lottery scratch ticket when his number was pulled from more than 200,000 entries, said Erika Gonzalez, media specialist for the Colorado Lottery.
It took lottery officials several days to reach Beamon, who works in Rifle and could not be reached for comment for this report.
He did not respond to phone messages and officials were unsure if he received a certified letter. A visit from a private investigator finally triggered a response. When the investigator left a business card on Beamon’s door, his son — who was checking on the house — alerted him to the mysterious visit.
Calvin Beamon won $1 million with a $20 Colorado Millionaire lottery scratch ticket when his number was pulled from more than 200,000 entries, said Erika Gonzalez, media specialist for the Colorado Lottery.
It took lottery officials several days to reach Beamon, who works in Rifle and could not be reached for comment for this report.
He did not respond to phone messages and officials were unsure if he received a certified letter. A visit from a private investigator finally triggered a response. When the investigator left a business card on Beamon’s door, his son — who was checking on the house — alerted him to the mysterious visit.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Barack Obama Birthday Gate: Obama Birth Certificate Dispute
Today is Senator Barack Obama's birthday, which at the age 47 makes him a youngin' in the presidential campaign. Yet, four presidents took office at a younger age: Theodore Roosevelt 42, John F. Kennedy 43, William J Clinton 46 and Ulysses S. Grant 46. For some voters, however, it is not Barack Obama's birthday that is relevant but whether or not Obama's birth certificate is authentic.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Jail Inmate Attempts Escape, Harms Private Investigator
Police say a Douglas County Jail inmate tried to escape Thursday by assaulting a defense attorney’s private investigator and climbing into the crawl space in the ceiling.
The investigator was meeting with Karl Paul Volosin, 28, in an interview room at the jail when Volosin climbed up the Plexiglas barrier between himself and the interviewer around 3 p.m., according to a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Volosin then allegedly assaulted the investigator and climbed up the window and into the crawl space above the ceiling tiles.
The investigator was meeting with Karl Paul Volosin, 28, in an interview room at the jail when Volosin climbed up the Plexiglas barrier between himself and the interviewer around 3 p.m., according to a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Volosin then allegedly assaulted the investigator and climbed up the window and into the crawl space above the ceiling tiles.
Donaghy to NBA investigator: Drop Dead
Tim Donaghy may not have his dignity or his freedom but the ex-NBA referee still can decide who he' will talk to.
The NBA is not on that list.
And stop calling him names.
According to this story in the New York Times, Donaghy has decided not to meet with Lawrence Pedowitz, a former federal prosecutor who is leading the league's examination of their anti-gambling policies and the NBA officiating system.
The NBA is not on that list.
And stop calling him names.
According to this story in the New York Times, Donaghy has decided not to meet with Lawrence Pedowitz, a former federal prosecutor who is leading the league's examination of their anti-gambling policies and the NBA officiating system.
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