ALL FLORIDA INVESTIGATIONS SERVICES, INC. FL. LICENSE#: A2800136 B1400220 & C8700342

 

 

DAYTONA BEACH | ORLANDO | CENTRAL FLORIDA | UNITED STATES

CALL NOW

AFI | PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR & FORENSIC SERVICES

All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services, Inc. (AFI), an Orlando, Florida based Private Investigation Company that has more than 50 years of investigative experience. Retired NYPD and FL Sheriff's Detective, John Gaspar, President of AFI, directly supervises his staff of state licensed investigators to support all your investigative needs in Orlando, FL. We specialize in investigative services for attorneys/paralegals, individuals, insurance companies & corporate executives and their families throughout Florida.

We are Licensed, Bonded and Insured Private Investigators and we work with clients throughout the Florida area including: Daytona Beach, Orlando, and Central Florida

 

ALL FLORIDA I SERVICES, INC.

FL. LICENSE#: A2800136 B1400220 & C8700342

ALL FLORIDA INVESTIGATIONS & FORENSIC SERVICES INC., 140 S BEACH ST | SUITE 200, DAYTONA BEACH, FL, 32114888.697.3478

Powered by Squarespace

Daytona Beach Forensic Hypnotist

Published in PI Magazine

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a normal natural state that you may experience sometimes without ever realizing.

Did you ever lose track of what exit you were at on a highway only to discover you traveled past your indented destination ?

Did you ever come home from the beach on a nice summer day, sit in your favorite chair  and were so relaxed that when the phone rang you didn’t get up to answer?

Hypnosis is a heightened concentration in which your mind can focus on a set objective. A trait that is very effective with clinical and forensic applications.

Hypnosis is completely safe and works best on people who possess average or above average intelligence.

How can hypnosis help you?

  • Find property

  • Locate lost items

  • Recover forgotten or lost memories

  • Find misplaced possessions

  • Recover memory for civil trials

  • Recover memory for criminal trials

 

Who is John Gaspar?

John Gaspar bares the distinction of being one of five New York City Police Department Hypnotists in NYPD’s history. During his tenure in the Detective Divisions Special Investigations Hypnosis Unit, Detective Gaspar became one of the 10 most experienced and highly regarded Forensic Hypnotists in the United States. Gaspar received his training from Herbert Spiegel M.D. a noted psychiatrist, author (of “Trance & Treatment”) and professor at New York’s Columbia University. In addition, John Gaspar was trained by Dr. Martin Reiser the director of Los Angeles Police Department Behavioral Science Unit.

Gaspar then went on to become the first Forensic Hypnotistin Flagler County, Florida. While in private practice as the owner of All Florida Investigation and Forensic Services, Inc. Gaspar was asked to assist Tim Miller of Texas Equusearch. Gaspar performed a forensic interview on Misty Cummings in an attempt to find out the whereabouts of 5 year old Haleigh Cummings who was abducted from her home. Gaspar has worked as a Hypnotist  for over 30 years assisting in both the private and public sector for people in need. He has used memory recovery techniques to help solve cases and has assisted thousands of people to stop smoking. Gaspar has earned a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree at Nova Southeastern University and has been a Professor at various Universities and Police Academies for over 25 years. Professor Gaspar helps his students to perform better on exams through hypnotic techniques.

John Gaspar, B.S., M.S. MBA, C.F.E., C.S.T 

Board Accredited Investigator

www.afipi.comjgaspar@afipi.com

Phone : 1-888-697-3478        Facsimile: 386-845-9265

 

John Gaspar

 

 

 

 

John Gaspar, B.S., M.S. MBA, C.F.E., C.S.T 

Board Accredited Investigator

www.afipi.comjgaspar@afipi.com

Phone : 1-888-697-3478        Facsimile: 386-845-9265

 

John Gaspar

PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

This e-mail transmission is intended only for the use of the individual(s) herein named, and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information from John M Gaspar. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this e-mail/file document is strictly prohibited. If you have received this mail/file document in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and permanently delete the copy you received.

Electronic Evidence Discovery IN DAYTONA BEACH FL, THE GREATER ORLANDO AREA FL

 


INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES IN DAYTONA BEACH FL, THE GREATER ORLANDO AREA FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA can support a successful outcome. AFI will work together with your Trial Attorney to ensure that all details of your case remain discrete and confidential. AFIinvestigators work closely with your legal representatives to ensure success in your case. We can perform comprehensive background investigations on pertinent subjects involved in the case. Our services include but are not limited to: witness canvasing, interviews, locating and subject matter experts that may be required by your legal team.

can support a successful outcome. AFI will work together with your Trial Attorney to ensure that all details of your case remain discrete and confidential. AFIinvestigators work closely with your legal representatives to ensure success in your case. We can perform comprehensive background investigations on pertinent subjects involved in the case. Our services include but are not limited to: witness canvasing, interviews, locating and subject matter experts that may be required by your legal team.

CRIMINAL

It may be important in a pre-trial hearing to have a Private Investigator work with your Attorney closely, so that you will be able to expedite a significant fact finding process that can possibly lead to the dismissal of a charge, or no prosecution, or the proper plea deal if applicable.

civil

In civil matters the preponderance of evidence is the measure of guilt or innocence for the plaintiff or the defendant.  Employing the expertise of a Private Investigator can help to fact find and vindicate you if you have been sued or a criminal action has been filed against you.  The converse is also true, using a Private Investigatorcan assist you to determine enough evidence and facts to support a successful outcome and possibly the proper compensation, both punitive and compensatory.

Call now to speak with an investigator for a free consultation:

888-634-4643FREE

 

MATRIMONIAL INVESTIGATIONS IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

No one likes to think about a spouse being unfaithful. But sometimes the signs are too hard to ignore. Whether you need to know the truth as part of divorce proceedings or you just want some peace of mind, you can count on our licensed, professional investigative team in Daytona Beach and throughout Florida to conduct a discreet surveillance of your spouse.

THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

Our infidelity investigation services are designed to give you all the information you need to plan your next move. Our private investigators can assist you by:

·Obtaining proof of infidelity

·Searching for hidden assets

·Tracking down vehicles

·Performing electronic surveillance

We at All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc understand that infidelity is a sensitive, emotional matter, and when you work with us, you'll benefit from our compassionate approach to all that we do. So if you need answers about your spouse, it's time to enlist our help. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Call now to speak with an investigator for a free consultation:

888-634-4643FREE

 

COMPREHENSIVE BACKGROUND & ASSET SEARCHES | DAYTONA BEACH | FLORIDA | NATIONWIDE

We provide comprehensive Daytona Beach, Florida & Nationwide, background checks from numerous proprietary civil and criminal databases which provide new information and can confirm the information provided by your candidates. This is a valuable step in making business or life decisions. All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc has the investigative experience and the databases to perform an objective verification that may include; work history, criminal history, licenses, assets , judgments , liens, evictions and other personal data. We also have experienced staff that can offer a quick response to your need for information.

Our business is based on extensive experience with police, security, surveillance, and financial forensics work. We’re dedicated to your satisfaction, and for every investigation we provide:

·Prompt service

·Detailed, meticulous research

·Timely job completion

Our team follows every piece of information to a logical, decision-making conclusion with a confidentiality guarantee and a thorough final report when finished.

Daytona Beach, Florida & Nationwide criminal background checks are an asset in your business hiring process. Contact All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc to discuss your specific background check needs.

Call now to speak with an investigator for a free consultation:

888-634-4643FREE

 

LICENSED PRIVATE INVETSIGATOR IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

Experience and dedication from a Daytona Beach, Florida private investigator can provide answers and a course of action in trying circumstances. No matter how complex the situation we can be your problem solvers. All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc has in excess of 34 years of Investigative experience, law enforcement, and forensics experience to assist you on your case. We put the resources of our organization to work for you, including dedicated investigators, large information network, and state-of-the-art equipment.

FINANCIAL/FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

If you have been the victim of fraud or other financial misappropriation, you have joined the ranks of many Americans.  In this day and age, fraud has been growing.  White collar crime including, construction, ebay, homeowner, and inheritance fraud schemes are more present than ever.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

As a FloridaDetective Supervisor in charge of the Economic Crime Division, in only 1 year we arrested and convicted criminals responsible for over $4 million in fraud.

Fraud is devastating, if you are robbed you may feel bad for a short time, if you lose your house because of fraud, you feel bad for a lifetime.  Fraudulent crimes will affect you both financially and emotionally.

Call All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc to help you through this difficult time.  John Gaspar is a certified fraud examiner, backed by 35 years of fraud experience. 

While we at All Florida Investigationsunderstand that it will be difficult to trust someone after being the victim of fraud, we will work hard to make you feel comfortable and earn your trust.  Contact AFI today for a no-risk consultation.  We proudly serve Daytona Beach, Florida and Nationwide.

 

We understand the sensitive nature of your situation and have a 100% confidentiality guarantee with secured, private files. Our services include:

·Service of Legal Papers

·Pre-trial civil and criminal investigations

·Negligence investigations

·Compensation cases

·Malpractice investigations

·Accident and liability investigations

·Anti-stalking (profiling)

·Executive protective service

·Matrimonial investigations

·Threats to person or property

·Intentional vandalism

·High tech – video and digital discreet Surveillance

·Missing persons investigations

·White collar crime investigations

·Process serving (Summons, Citations and NTA’s)

·Pre-tenant screening & non primary Residence investigations

·National computer checks providing information on persons, property, and businesses

·Investigative Canvass - Witness Interviewing - Background Searches - Skip Traces

·Missing Persons Investigations

·Executive / Dignitary / Celebrity Protection Services

BUSINESSES / INDIVIDUALS

·Internal theft

·Extortion

·Vandalism

·Industrial intelligence specialists

·White collar crime investigations

·Employee/Partnership background searches

·Complete civil and criminal investigations

·Fraudulent compensation investigations

·Discreet surveillance

·Company and individual credit history

·Environmental investigations (minimums & maximums)

·Malpractice Investigations and all forms of Insurance Claims

·Accident – Liability - Compensation Investigations

·Maritime Investigations

SPECIAL SERVICES

·Electronic debugging

·Cell Phone & Computer Forensics

·Forensic Hypnosis Interviews

·Environmental Crime

·Fraud Investigations

·Crime Scene and Forensic

·Crime Scene Clean-Up

As a certified fraud investigator, master crime scene investigator, and domestic relationship investigator, we know how to track every detail to a logical conclusion. Our investigator stays focused on attentive client care through the course of your investigation.

Our Daytona Beach, Floridaprivate investigator can provide a quick response to your request for help. Call All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc today, and let us to find the answers.

IDENTITY THEFT COMPANIES IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

Identity theft is a growing problem, and regardless of your age, gender, or geographic location, you have the potential to become a victim. In some cases, identity theft can result in significant monetary loss. So if you're worried that you've been the victim of identity theft, your best bet is to address the problem sooner rather than later. And that's where All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc comes in. As a private investigator in Daytona Beach, Florida - All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc can help you determine whether someone has stolen your identity and help you take the necessary steps to recover.

AT YOUR SERVICE

All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc is committed to excellent customer service above all else. When you come to All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc for help with identity theft, you'll get the benefit of working with a true professional who will take the time to help you work through your situation.

With a meticulous approach to identity theft investigations and a keen eye for detail, All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc can help make an unfortunate situation less troublesome in the long run. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc today.

CHILD CUSTODY INVESTIGATOR IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

If there's been custodial interference and your child has been taken by your spouse, allow All Florida Investigations to assist you to find your child.  We will work hand in hand with local authorities to ensure that your child is returned safely and your spouse prosecuted.

As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is being taken care of properly. But sometimes it can be difficult to gauge how your child is faring when he or she isn't under your roof. Whether you're going through a divorce or are already involved in a child custody dispute, our compassionate, dedicated team in Daytona Beach and throughout Florida is on hand to serve you. We offer thorough, dependable child custody investigations designed to give you the answers and peace of mind you need and deserve.

YOUR CHILD'S BEST INTERESTS IN MIND

At All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc we understand that matters relating to child custody are both sensitive and emotional. We also know that a lot is riding on the information we're able to gather and provide. After all, nothing is more important than your child's safety and wellbeing, and to that end, we'll work tirelessly to get you the answers you're after so that you can take the appropriate next steps.

Don't spend your days and nights worrying about your child. Get the information you need to pursue your child custody matter with our in-depth investigation services. Call the AFI office today to schedule an appointment.

MISSING PERSONS IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

Do you have a friend or a loved one who's gone missing? At All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc, we're here to help. Our dedicated private investigators in Daytona Beach, FLare ready to devote themselves to locating the person you're looking to find.

ENERGY AND COMPASSION

What sets our team members apart is the energy and conviction they bring that will support you in your time of need. . We understand the gravity of the situation and we also realize that situations involving missing persons can be complicated, sensitive, and emotional. That's why we take a thorough, meticulous approach to our missing persons investigations. And once we get started, you can rest assured that we'll work tirelessly to get you the information you're after.

If a person in your life has gone missing, don't panic or give up hope. Call All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.

PARENTS & RELATIVES SEARCH

Are you searching for a birth parent or relative in Daytona Beach, FL? Finding birth parents or other biological family members can be a complex, confusing, and emotional process. Before you begin your parents and relatives search, be sure to get advice and support from a private investigator you can trust to put your goals and best interests first.

HERE TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS

At All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc, we offer discreet, professional, and confidential private investigator services designed to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your birth parent or family member. Using every resource at our disposal, we work tirelessly to help identify and locate the relative you’re looking for so you can determine how to move forward.

Even if you’ve tried and failed in the past, we can help you take your search for your birth parent or relative to the next level. So if you have questions about finding your birth mother or other family member, we have the answers you need to take your first step. Contact AFI in Daytona Beach, FL now for more information about our investigative services and to schedule a consultation.

INSURANCE FRAUD DIVISION IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

It's an unfortunate fact that insurance fraud is a lot more common than most people realize. If you suspect that you've been the victim of insurance fraud, or if you're a company looking to get to the bottom of a suspicious claim, we can help. Our private investigators in
Daytona Beach, FLare equipped to delve deeply into your insurance fraud matter so that you get the answers you need to take appropriate action.

WE'LL DO THE DIGGING

Whether you're a private individual or an insurance company employee, you may not have the time to investigate your matter thoroughly. But that's where we come in. Our dedicated team will work quickly and tirelessly to get you the answers you're looking for. We're happy to assist in a variety of insurance-related matters, including:

·Arson and property damage claims

·Automobile claims

·Medical claims

·Workers compensation claims

For more information about our services or to discuss your specific inquiry, call the office of AFI in D MYSTERY SHOPPER IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

Retail theft occurs in epidemic proportions throughout the nation and here in Daytona Beach and Florida.  Many business owners, both small and large are aware that this has a direct affect on the prices consumers pay at the register.  Using Mystery Shoppershelps to protect the bottom line and allows business to be competitive and pass along the savings to the customer.  All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc offers Mystery Shoppers as a way to uncover the truth about your retail business operation.

AT YOUR SERVICE

At All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc we value our customers and work hard to collect and provide you with accurate, reliable data. We understand that the information we supply will impact your short-term and long-term business decisions, so we go the extra mile on every assignment.

For more information about our mystery shopper services, call All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc today.

Daytona Beach, FLtoday.

WORKERS' COMP IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

Each year, employers and insurance companies lose significant amounts of money paying out fraudulent workers compensationclaims. False claims can do more than just cost your business and insurers money; they can also create a culture of dishonesty and suspicion in the workplace. If you have reason to believe that a workers comp claim filed against your company may be fraudulent, come to All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc today. As a private investigation service in Daytona Beach, FL we have the tools to uncover the truth so that you can protect yourself financially.

HERE TO HELP

At All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc we understand that fraudulent workers comp claims are a sensitive matter. That's why we hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do. When you work with us, we'll conduct our investigation using the utmost discretion, all the while digging deeply to get you the answers you need.

For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, call AFI today.

JUDGMENT RECOVERY IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

If you’ve won a financial judgmentbut have yet to receive compensation, you may have no choice but to pursue that payout yourself. Unfortunately, those liable for payment may hide assets or use illegal and unethical methods to avoid compliance with the settlement to which you're entitled, and when this happens, you may be forced to take matters into your own hands. But if you're like most people, you probably don't have the time, energy, or means to track the assets. That's where we can help. As a private investigation firm in Daytona Beach, FL we have the national databases to track down the money that's rightfully yours.

AT YOUR SERVICE

At All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc, we understand that you're eager to acquire the settlement you're owed. That's why we offer comprehensive judgment recoveryservices designed to get you fast results. When you hire All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc to enforce your judgment, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by a professional. So don't wait until it's too late: Call AFItoday for more information or to schedule your appointment.

COMPUTER FORENSICS IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL & THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

If you're looking to recover or locate data from your personal computer or electronic devices, you need a team with the technical prowess and know-how to do a comprehensive audit.

Specific forensic evidence that is often retrieved and examined during a cell phone forensic investigation, often even after being deleted, includes:

·Videos

·Photos & graphics

·Contact names & phone numbers

·Text messages recovery of SMS message recovery

·Call times; dialed and received calls, and call durations

·Address book entries; residential addresses and email addresses

The use of phones in crimes has been widely used for many years and in today’s technological information age, every byte of data matters.

Cell phone and other mobile device forensics is a variation of digital forensics involving the recovery of digital evidence from any mobile device such as; mobile phones, PDA’s, iPhones or Smart Phone, GPS devices as well as tablet computers and iPads. These mobile devices are used to store or save personal information such as contacts, photos, calendars and notes, SMS and MMS messages. Whereas Smartphones may contain additional data such as video, email information, web browsing history, location information, and social networking messages and contacts. Most of this information is intentionally stored but sometimes unintentional information is also kept which can add merit to a case.

GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF ALL THINGS TECHNICAL

New techniques come onto the scene practically every day in the world of computers. And thankfully for you, our team is up to speed on even the latest of tricks. So don't trust the protection of your critical data and private information to just anyone. Call All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc today to discuss your information security needs and learn more about our computer and data forensicsservices.

"DE-BUGGING" ELECTRONIC BUG & VIDEO CAMERA SWEEPS IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL AND THROUGHOUT FLORDIA

Are you being watched or listened to without your knowledge?

This invasion of your privacy can cost you everything.

AFI has many technological services of which include electronic bug sweeping of:

·Offices

·Board Rooms

·Stand Alone Buildings

·Hotel Rooms

·Vehicles

·Houses

·Condos

·Recreational Vehicles

·Aircraft

·Boats & Yachts

Information is now the power tool of all industry. Hidden cameras and sophisticated audio bug devices are now a chronic issue in everyone's business and personal life. Technology has now made these devices extremely covert, inexpensive and internet accessible for purchase at very reasonable prices by the unscrupulous. Don't let the intellectual property of your corporation or your personal privacy and conversations be at risk for theft. In today's competitive business world, it is all about confidentiality, security and peace of mind. Not taking proper security measures can be catastrophic.

If you or your company has proprietary information that gives you a market edge, then there are others that know its value and will do virtually anything to get it. These people are called competitors and not partners for a reason. Corporate Espionage is a fact of the business world and those individuals are often employees that have been swayed by others.

AFI's Investigators have the technological ability and the newest of equipment to perform electronic sweeps in conjunction with physical searches to clear a room, office, vehicle or an entire stand-alone building. Electronic bug technology now comes in many forms such as: GSM, CDMA, 3G, Bluetooth, WiFi and WiMax transmitters. Camera technology is just as sophisticated and virtually invisible to the untrained eye and without the proper detection equipment, almost impossible to expose and eliminate the risk and liability that they impose. Once an electronic device is uncovered, AFI investigators will collect evidence and perform proper investigative Due Diligence for prosecution against those responsible for these illegal and unethical actions.

There is an old saying: if you have ever thought or suspected you might have a problem, you probably do!

Don't wait until you have a loss. Now is the time to eliminate the risk and discreetly investigate the culprit and put a stop to it. Remember, if you suspect you have been bugged, do not discuss this matter with anyone! Contact AFI from a secure line away from the location that is suspect and let us advise you on the next course of action. Again, many of these issues are caused by a trusted employee and you never know whose listening.

Contact AFI today for more information regarding a complete surveillance sweep of the confidential areas of YOUR life.

Call now to speak with an investigator for a free consultation:

888-634-4643FREE

 

 

 

John Gaspar, B.S., M.S. MMBA, C.F.E., C.S.T 

Board Accredited Investigator

Florida License # A 2800136  C 8700343

www.afipi.comjgaspar@afipi.com

Phone : 1-888-697-3478        Facsimile: 386-845-9265

 

John Gaspar

PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

This e-mail transmission is intended only for the use of the individual(s) herein named, and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information from John M Gaspar. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this e-mail/file document is strictly prohibited. If you have received this mail/file document in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and permanently delete the copy you received.

All Florida Investigations & FoRensic Services - John Gasper

  1. All Florida Investigations & Forensic Services Inc

  1. helpful hint

  1. Take steps to protect yourself from identity theft:

  1. Secure your social security number. ...

  2. Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or bank account number) by phone, mail, or online.

  3. Watch out for “shoulder surfers.” ...

  4. Collect mail promptly.

  1. More items...

Flagler County Florida Detective John Gaspar The ‘shutter bug’ case

November/December 2013

John M. Gaspar, CFE

    Case in point: Case history dissection

    © HEMERA/THINKSTOCK

It was another Monday morning at Flagler County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Criminal Investigation Division (CID). On the first day of the workweek, we’d review all the crimes committed over the weekend and return to a plethora of police reports and messages from citizen and deputies.

I’ve always taken an interest in patterns of behavior. In my more than three decades as an investigator, I noticed that fraud and theft schemes were on the rise not only nationally but also in Flagler County. I believe this increase was in part because of a difficult economy, availability of prime victims and a greater chance of getting away with fraud over crimes of violence. Also, some prosecutors and detectives don’t always see a fraudster’s modus operandi as criminal in nature. Other factors include limited resources, unreasonable detective caseloads and prosecutors’ and police personnel’s lack of understanding of fraud crimes. This leaves many fraud victims without closure.

I think I looked at fraud differently than many other law enforcement investigators. Of course, I would be upset if someone forcibly pushed me to the ground and took my Casio watch (valued at $125) and $20 of U.S. currency from my wallet. However, if someone defrauded me out of US$10,000 in a hurricane shutters fraud scheme (later we would nickname it “shutter bug fraud”) I would be severely financially injured, possibly for the rest of my life.

My interest in fraud cases at the police department spurred me to be more attentive to the many potential schemes that were classified as civil and not criminal. These crimes left a trail of devastated victims in their wakes. In Florida, like most other states, larceny occurs when someone temporarily or permanently deprives someone of something of value (currency, property, etc.).

According to the ACFE’s Fraud Tree, larceny of cash is one of the main components of asset misappropriation; identifying it is a good place to start when investigating fraud. The next step is gathering information to see if there’s a pattern and hence a fraud scheme or an isolated theft.

FIRST 'SHUTTER BUG' FRAUD VICTIM

So, in 2006, I was at my desk in the police station at about 8:30 a.m. with my second cup of coffee when I greeted Mary, 76, a citizen with a problem. She had purchased shutters from a franchisee of Roll-Away Shutters in Florida. She explained that she’d filed a police report months earlier; she’d made numerous inquiries about it, but no one had gotten back to her. I pulled the report up and saw that it was marked as a civil case information report and not a crime; that was why I wasn’t aware of the incident.

One of the things I learned as a NYPD detective working out of major case squad in Manhattan is to be an active listener. You learn a lot in life by just shutting up and paying attention. So I listened to Mary as she explained that she purchased shutters from a man named Daniel Quinn through a salesman named John more than 18 months previously. They took a 50 percent deposit. The State of Florida only allows 10 percent down on a purchase unless the work is completed within a designated time.

I asked Mary questions that would help me identify if this was a civil or criminal matter. Best practices, time and training via the ACFE had helped develop a skill set that would allow me to see beyond the veneer of the initial police report and look for information that may indicate the incident may not have been civil in nature. As a CFE since 1989, I’ve been exposed to a highly qualified and dedicated community of anti-fraud experts, and I’ve shared information with them about fraud schemes.

MY INITIAL INTERVIEW WITH MARY

Q: What efforts have you made to contact Mr. Daniel Quinn?

A: I called and wrote to him on numerous occasions, and he has not contacted me.

Q: Do you have phone records?

A: I do and I’ll bring them to you.

Her phone records showed she had called Quinn more than 30 times in the previous year; each call lasted about one to three minutes each. That coincided with her account that when she had left numerous messages on Quinn’s company voice mail. It’s important to have a witness’ testimonial evidence supported by forensic evidence for a good prosecutable case.

Q: Did you ever write Mr. Quinn about this business transaction, and if so, do you have a copy of that or those letters?

A: I did, and I can bring you those letters.

Mary provided me with several letters she had sent certified return mail in which she wrote that she wanted either the job completed or an immediate refund. Quinn’s business accepted some of these letters, and others came back stamped undeliverable.

At this initial stage of the investigation, I established that this was not a civil matter and it may be criminal because any reasonable person would believe that for 18 months Mary had $2,500 less in her bank account and no hurricane shutters.

In our police department, we would distinguish a civil complaint from a prosecutable criminal complaint by identifying if:

 

  1. The complainant made and documented reasonable efforts to resolve the compliant.

  2. The contractor made reasonable efforts to resolve the issue and return the deposit, funds or property.

 

 


For full access to story, members may sign in here.

Not a member? Click here to Join Now and access the full article.You must be logged in to leave a comment...

ADD COMMENT

 

TEXT ONLY 2000 CHARACTER LIMIT

Related Links

2013 CFE Exam Prep Course, US Edition2013 CFE Exam Prep Toolkit, US Edition2013 Fraud Examiners Manual, US EditionACFE Fraud Casebook BundleBribery and Corruption CasebookFinancial Statement Fraud Casebook: Baking the Ledgers and Cooking the BooksFraud Casebook: Lessons from the Bad Side of Business

 

Download Article

ABOUT THE ACFE

MEMBERSHIP & CERTIFICATION

EVENTS, TRAINING & PRODUCTS

FRAUD RESOURCES

CAREER

COMMUNITY

© 2016 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Inc. All rights reserved. 

Home Equity Theft

This blog article is dedicated to informing the consumer public and the legal profession about Home Equity Theft issues. There are various forms of Home Equity Theft and links to news reports & other informational sources from throughout the country about the victims of Home Equity Theft and what government authorities and others are doing about it.

Florida Builders Face Criminal Charges Of Misapplication Of Construction Funds, Grand Theft, Issuing Rubber Checks

According to a recent story in the Daytona Beach News-Journal, the Flagler County, Florida Sheriff's Office has been busy investigating and charging local home builders for taking customers' money and either not performing the work contracted for, or having the work done by a subcontractor, and then not paying the sub for the work. According to the story:

  • Flagler County sheriff's Detective John Gaspar, who led two of the last three Flagler County building company investigations that resulted in arrests, said it appears to be a "trend" that local contractors and builders are involved in mismanaging their customers' money.

  • In August, investigators arrested Gregory Bleyl, owner of Osprey Custom Homes Inc., after they say he bilked 18 Russian and Ukranian immigrants out of more than $700,000. He was charged with grand theft and misapplication of construction funds and remains in the Flagler County jail.

  • And last week, authorities arrested Joseph Fasino, owner of Sandcastle Homes for operating a building scam that also involved liens on customers' homes, bad checks, and misapplication of construction funds, investigators said. Fasino is being held at the St. Johns County Jail on $287,500 bail.

In the most recent case, Herbert Heron and Noel Richardson, owners of Canterbury Estate Homes Inc. and Oxford Title Company Inc. (the company that handled Canterbury's real estate closings), were charged with grand theft, organized fraud, misapplication of construction funds and issuing worthless checks, for, among other things, allegedly taking over $400,000 from more than half a dozen people for work they promised, but never performed. For more, see Home builders charged with multiple felonies.

For related stories on:

  • Gregory Bleyl and Osprey Custom Homes Inc., see Poor economy boosts Flagler crime.

  • Joseph Fasino and Sandcastle Homes, see Another Flagler builder charged with fraud

Go here for other posts on builders & contractors accused of stiffing customers & subcontractors. contractors stiff subs customers alpha

Home Equity Theft Reporter