Film Producer
Read moreVicki Aleck
Film Director
Vicki Aleck was a cameraperson and video editor at Chicago's top television stations, ABC and FOX Chicago. Working alongside some of the city's best writers, Vicki became an adroit storyteller. She edited news, politics, sports and entertainment pieces along with being news editing weekend supervisor.
She enjoyed teaching setup and the directing of remote events broadcasts as 'Community Events Producer' for Naperville Community TV.
2008 was a memorable year as Vicki served as the Deputy Field Organizer for the 2008 presidential campaign in Michigan City, IN, interacting with people of every stature and ethnicity.
More recently working with attorneys, Vicki has been shooting and editing videos both for class action court cases and as demonstrative evidence in court and mediation.
Listening to attorneys and targeting what's important to clients, she deftly intertwines her skills, to bring out the best in your client, producing videos that have had a positive impact in court.
Defcon 1 Firearms
Read moreDaniel J. Conidi
Director WMP Justice Review
I was a Senior Special Agent at the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Department of Justice with over 26 years of experience. As a Senior Special Agent, I worked in counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling, criminal alien apprehension and gang enforcement task force operations. I was responsible for the organization, planning, and structuring many high-risk raids and warrant operations across the United State. I have attended over 2000 hours of tactical and firearms training instruction over my career with the United States government.
I served in the United States Army as a commissioned military police officer and received the expert marksman classification. I am a lifelong competitive shooter in several disciplines. I first started studying under Jeff Cooper at Gunsite over 25 years ago. I have been a firearms trainer since 1983. I teach Pistol, Shotgun, Carbine, and Rifle.
- Certified - Illinois State Police CCW Instructor
- Approved-Concealed Carry Curriculum
- IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Private Security Contractor
- IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Private Detective
- IL Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) Certified Firearms Instructor
- IL Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) Licensed Private Security Contractor
- IL Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR), approved Basic 20-Hour Training Course
- IL Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR), approved Armed 20-Hour Training Course
- IL Private Detective
- IL Private Security Contractor
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Chief Range Safety Officer
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Certified Pistol Instructor
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Certified Rifle Instructor
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Certified Shotgun Instructor
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Personal Protection Inside the Home
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Personal Protection Outside the Home
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Home Safety Instructor
- American Pistol Institute (Gunsite) Graduate (pistol, shotgun, carbine and rifle)
- Handcuffing
- Collapsible Baton
- OC Spray
- Weapons Retention
- Taser
Chief Firearms Instructor, Defcon-1 Firearms Training, Chicago, IL
1/1983 to Present
Lead Instructor at Defcon-1 and have trained federal, state and local law enforcement personnel. Additionally, I have been active training military personnel for the US Army Military Police. Throughout my career, I have trained thousands of individuals in all aspects of firearms training intermediate and lethal force options.
Senior Special Agent • Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
4/2003 to 3/2014
HSI is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security and is charged with preventing acts of terrorism by targeting the people, money and materials that support terrorist organizations. In this preventive mission, HSI draws on a diverse set of investigative functions and legal authorities for fighting a wide range of crimes related to immigration, money laundering, smuggling, trafficking, trade violations, and cyber security.
With HSI, I was assigned to the National Security Investigations Division which consists of three principal components charged with securing the homeland: The Arms and Strategic Technology Investigations Unit (ASTI), the National Security and Threat Protection Unit (NSTP), and the Compliance Enforcement Unit (CEU).
I have worked in all aspects of the National Security Investigative mission. I have identified, arrested, and prosecuted over fifty terrorist suspects for violations of Federal law. I have a 100% conviction rate on investigative cases presented an accepted for prosecution.
I defined and set investigative goals; organized work and monitored progress of investigations; and effectively utilized limited time and resources. As a leader within my unit, I motivated fellow employees; shared information with others; supported other criminal investigators in their cases; supported management in passing work within the unit; and gave recognition to others who aided in my successes.
Duties included: executing search and arrest warrants; serving subpoenas; managing confidential informants and cooperating private individuals; administering oaths; interviewing witnesses; interrogation of suspects; taking detailed written statements; writing detailed operational plans for undercover investigations; consensual monitoring, task force funding requests; managing buy money; created detailed reports describing investigative activities; testified in federal and state court proceedings; examination of fraudulent documents; taking exemplars for handwriting analysis; preserving physical evidence; conducting liaison with foreign embassies, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; marriage fraud investigations; and initiated removal proceedings against undocumented aliens.
Special Agent • United States Department of Justice, Chicago, IL
06/1988 – 03/2003
The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was a part of the United States Department of Justice and handled legal and illegal immigration and naturalization matters. It ceased to exist as a whole entity on March 1, 2003.
I initiated, conducted, and managed complex undercover criminal fraud investigations involving multiple subjects in strict accordance with policy directives of INS. Advised and assisted the United States Attorney’s Office in the preparation of criminal indictments against violators of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, discovering intelligence related to investigative efforts and forwarded it to the appropriate section.
- International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA)
- International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI)
- Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- National Rifle Association (NRA)-Life Member
- Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA)
- Federal Criminal Investigators Association (FCIA)
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOLA)
- Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- International Police Association (IPA)
- ASIS International (ASIS)
District of Columbia, 2012
- Mid-Atlantic School of Law, JD, 2010
- Chicago State University, MS, 1987
- State University of New York, Albany, NY, BS, 1983
Spanish, professional working proficiency
Top Secret
Social Media Crisis Response
Read moreLisa Gray
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY SKILLS
- Experienced social media crisis handler
- Able to engage and converse with opposition posts
- Professional posts that persuade
- Rapid response
- Excellent communication skills
- Results oriented
- Excellent time management skills
- Consistent pleasant demeanor Social Media Crisis Management
EXPERIENCE
WMP Justice Review Crisis Response Cases 2020
- Case briefing
- 24-hour monitoring multiple social media pages
- Rapid response to comments and negative posts
- Follow-up with case coordinator daily
- Investigate pages of opposers
- Prepare opposition reports
EDUCATION
GED
Olive-Harvey,
Chicago, IL
Retired Police Officer
Read moreDominick Izzo
Retired Police Officer, published author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and advocate for police and community relations, Dominick Izzo addressed and exposed police corruption on a local level within his own department, a county level when he ran for Cook County Sheriff to help Chicago and on an international level upon being recognized by the media as an expert in police ethics and accountability. Izzo's extensive experience and training as a police officer and his efforts to spread public awareness on the misconduct that overshadows righteous police officers is paramount in his role to heal the relationship between the police and public they serve.
Director of Research
Read more
Kristy James
Sr. Claims Consultant – Senior Living Risk Solutions
Kristina.james@assuredpartners.com
Kristy is a Sr. Claims Consultant specializing in, and advocating on behalf of, senior-living facilities. She possesses a proven track record of proactive claims management; identifying opportunities for risk reduction; and engaging defense counsel to obtain optimal claim outcomes. As a Litigation Manager, Kristy’s trial record was 42-0, far exceeding the industry norms.
She has dedicated over 19 years with AssuredPartners towards the prevention and resolution of Senior Living professional and general liability lawsuits. Her experience includes five years in a clinical risk management department; 10 years as a Litigation Manager for a professional and general liability Third Party Administrator; and four years as a Claims Consultant supporting and resolving claims for all lines of coverages. Kristina is a certified paralegal, graduate of the American Education Institute’s program on Legal Principals and holds a Business Management bachelor’s degree from Ohio Dominican University.
On top of her successful career, Kristy is the co-founder of The Lung Cancer Foundation of Powell, OH; a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASO) for children and families in need; as well as a youth basketball coach.
Larsen Forensics & Associates, Inc.
Read moreMichael Primeau was born in 1991 in Ferndale, Michigan. At an early age, Michael began showing the makings of a future engineer. Most children would play with their electronic toys, whereas Michael would disassemble them, just to understand how they worked. At the age of 8, he developed an interest in the disassembly of the old computer systems his father would bring home for him to play with. He then began repairing them in his spare time. This sparked a passion for technology and complex computer systems.
He attended Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering Technology in 2018. Throughout his journey at LTU, he absorbed knowledge from many educators and fellow students and learned valuable lessons. One of these lessons was the discipline to learn, which is how he obtained his degree – his ‘license to learn’. Another lesson was the ability to see no limits to the heights in which his skills and knowledge base could grow.
Here are the certificates he earned
Michael’s superpowers consist of tenacity, patience to troubleshoot and solve complex problems, and perform repairs to computers, audio recording equipment, IT equipment and anything that has electronic circuitry.
He began his career as a forensic expert at Primeau Forensics, LTD. in 2009. While Michael has actively worked in the audio and video forensic industry for 8 years, he grew up around it through his father, Edward Primeau. Edward Primeau founded what is now known as Primeau Forensics, LTD. in 1984, 7 years before Michael’s birth. You could almost say that he was born to be a forensic expert.
Throughout his formal education and forensic training, a core value that Michael holds to forensic analysis is to reduce the opportunity for biasing during an investigation at all costs. To protect the integrity of Primeau Forensics, LTD., as well as the integrity of the investigations that he performs for his clients, any forensic analysis must be approached from an unbiased third party scientific perspective. The most exciting part about Michael’s job is not only helping the trier of fact, litigators or private clients answer complicated questions, but also to present complex data in a simple understanding.
Michael is currently a member of LEVA (Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association), AES, and IAI. He has completed training through LEVA in Video Forensic Analysis and Photographic Video Comparison. He has also completed training with the University of Colorado Denver Center for Media Forensics in Forensic Audio Authentication and Audio Enhancement and Forensic Image Authentication. He has also certified as a Forensic Video Technician through LEVA. He has worked on investigations ranging from cases in the United States to those in Sweden and Canada. Along with actively working on cases, Michael has consulted with the media on several cases including appearing on The Travel Channel’s popular TV Series Expedition Unknown.
When he isn’t working on cases, investigations, or being an expert witness, Michael enjoys playing the drums and guitar, honing in on his photography skills, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.
McCord and Associates
Read moreLee McCord
“The truth may cause pain at times, but to know the truth is redeeming.”
Over 40 years of experience
Lee McCord is a trained and licensed (by examination) Polygraph Examiner since 1974 and has worked throughout the mid-west and east coast administering polygraph examination for the government and private sector.
Known for his ability in the field of polygraph, Lee is regularly sought after to lend his expertise in screening applicants for employment in government and the public sector, ongoing employment investigations, domestic testing, sexual offense testing and other criminal investigations.
Past experience includes training and daily supervision of up to five polygraph examiners working throughout the mid-west and east coast while serving as Regional V.P. of a national polygraph firm.
Lee is a 1974 graduate of Savannah State University, member of the Illinois Polygraph Society and owner of McCord and Associates in Chicago, IL.
WMP Justice Review
Read moreLarry P. Merar
Founder & Director WMP Justice Review
Experience within U S Naval Security coupled with martial arts training, imbued a keen perception of the effect that cultural differences have when people interact. Respect for who you are rather than what you are, is the soul of an enduring relationship and dignity is a major factor in all human affairs. With this as his tenet over the last 40 years, Larry developed a diverse manufacturing and supply base in Southeast Asia that provides major American retailers with their proprietary brands of merchandise.
Larry once heard someone remark, if there is one thing that you should absolutely avoid; it would be getting involved with the criminal justice system. A dire warning but without merit if you will, based on ones belief in the integrity of the public servants who symbolize our bureaucracy. His wakeup call was the incarceration of a family member by Lake County, Illinois, an administration that is nationally recognized for judicial misconduct and wrongful convictions. Confronting Police, Prosecutorial and Judicial malfeasance is a priority at Words Matter Publishing Justice Review. Individuals who manipulate the law to their own ends must be held accountable. Reparation at taxpayer expense is not a solution when by design; innocent people are incarcerated or put to death for a crime they did not commit.
Larry attended Shinn Fu Business College, Chiayi Taiwan R.O.C. and Gateway Resources, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Acquired specialties are International manufacturing and marketing.
MSI Detective Services
Read morePerry D Myers, CFE
President of Myers Service, Inc. DBA MSI Detective Services
President of U-Spy Enterprises, Inc. DBA U-Spy Store & Pro Video Security
For over 36 years, I have focused on assisting business, insurance companies, attorneys and private clients with matters relating to loss of electronic espionage, forensic investigations, surveillance, voice/information security, civil and criminal matters and fraud
- Technical Countermeasure Sweeps
- Interrogation/Interviews
- Criminal Investigations
- Video Surveillance
- Security Evaluations
- Undercover Operations
- Trademark/Patent/Copyright
- Background Investigations
- Computer Forensics
- Witness Statements
- Internal Theft
- Cellular Forensics
- Research Specialist
- Insurance Fraud
- Lie Detection
1990 - Present
President
Myers Service, Inc. Investigations
1988-1990
Vice-President
2406 W Fullerton Avenue
1978-1988
Special Investigator
Chicago, Illinois 60647
2001-Present
President
U-Spy Enterprises, Inc.
2012-2015
Public Board Member
IDFPR Massage Licensing Board.
Geovision Training
2014
Geovision CCTV training using analytics, remote access, IP Camera, networking security camerase
ADI Seminar
2013 Security equipment training seminarJournalism
AGI Security
2012
Port Forwarding and IP camera training
Cell Phone Investigations
2011
PI Classroom Seminar on Smart Phone Investigations
Cellular Forensics
2010
Certificate of Completion - Mobile Phone Spyware Discovery & Eradication Course
Wicklander-Zulawski and Associates, Inc.
1998
Interview & Interrogation Techniques – Course Completed
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
1997
Accredited Title of Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE)
American Society for Industrial Security
1997
Medical Insurance Fraud Workshop - Trends and Techniques of Insurance Fraud
American Society for Industrial Security Convention and Workshops
1996
Various workshops focusing on insurance fraud, surveillance and other investigatory topics.
Laboratory for Scientific Interrogation
19995
Scan Method of Interview and Interrogations – Course Completed
Jarvis International Intelligence
1994
Graduate - Certified in Technical Intelligence Operations
Surveillance Expo
1993
Various workshops focusing on surveillance techniques and advances in technology.
Jarvis International Intelligence
1991
Graduate - Advanced Eavesdropping Countermeasures
Jarvis International Intelligence
1990
Graduate - Basic Eavesdropping Countermeasures
American Security Training School
1990
Graduate - Firearms Training
Illinois State University
1977
Major – Speech Communication Minor - Criminal Justice
State of Illinois - Private Detective License 117-000206
State of Illinois - Detective Agency License 115-
State of Florida - Private Detective License A2000210
State of Wisconsin - Private Detective License 16094-062
Certified Fraud Examiner Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- Member Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
- Member Associated Detectives of Illinois, Inc. (ADI)
- Member Better Business Bureau A+ Rated
CBS affiliate WBBM - Television news interview on Electronic Countermeasures & Surveillance
CNN - Television Interview on Electronic Spy Devices
NBC affiliate WMAQ - Television news interview on Missing Persons
ABC affiliate WLS - Television news interview on Surveillance
FOX 32 News - Television news interview on Surveillance
FOX 32 News - Television news interview on Body Language in various Presidential and Governor Debates
Telemundo Network - Television news program (Impacto) on Missing Persons
WLUP-Kevin Matthews - Radio interview on Investigations
Inside Edition - Television appearance on Hidden Video Cameras
Newsweek Magazine - Article on Electronic Surveillance
Newsweek Magazine - Article on Foreign Government Sanctioned Espionage
Chicago Tribune - Article on Process Service
Chicago Tribune - Article on How to Hire a Private Detective
Chicago Sun Times - Article on Surveillance
Crain’s Chicago Business - Article on Employee Fraud
Montel Williams Show - Television appearance on active murder investigation
Chicago Reader - Cover Story “What Makes a Dick Tick” Portraying a PI
FunnyorDie.com - Investigated the “Largest Deep Dish Pizza” a promotional video for LG Phones
2017 - Wheeling, IL ACTHA Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Home Owners Associations
2013 - Skokie, IL Safety Fair Presented on CCTV Technology
2004 - Illinois Supreme Court Judges Advisory Board
Presented information and recommendations concerning prevention of audio and video recording in courtrooms.
1998 - American Society for Industrial Security
“Threats of Electronic Eavesdropping” presentation.
1997 - Developed the “Defeating Insurance Fraud” presentation for insurance handlers; presented to numerous insurance companies and claims associations.
1996 - Associated Detectives of Illinois, Inc.
Eavesdropping & Countermeasures presentation.
1995 - Rotary Club O’Hare, Chicago Spoke on field of Private Investigation.
1995 - Naperville Public Library “Private Investigator in Literature.”
1994 - Chicago Association of Law Libraries
Delivered presentation entitled, “ Getting a ‘Make’ on Witnesses” which addressed gathering and using information on lay and expert witnesses, keeping track of witnesses and other related topics.
Director of Media Affairs
Read moreKathy Posner
HIGHLIGHTS
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Former Director Financial Controls IV, Office of the Cook County Treasurer;
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Former Assistant Legislative Inspector General, OLIG, Chicago;
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Member of National Association of Inspectors General;
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Associate Member National Association Certified Fraud Examiners;
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Former Chairman/CEO Comm2 Inc./ PR/Ad agency;
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Five time Emmy- nominated producer and writer;
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Member of Mensa;
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Listed in Who’s Who in America for more than 25 years;
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Member of multiple not for profit boards;
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Produced and hosted live TV interview show, “Political Forum” for nine years.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Political Consultant & Media Consultant June 2018-presentDirector of Financial Controls IV
Office of the Cook County Treasurer
(October 2014-June 2018) Advised on all aspects of the operations of the Office of the Cook County Treasurer; including working on Debt Disclosure Ordinance, Property Tax Appeal Board refunds, Electronic Billing for taxpayers, Specific Objections, Duplicate and Overpayments and created step by step work manuals for 15 agency departments.Assistant Legislative Inspector General for the Office of Legislative Inspector General Chicago
(February 2012-October 2014) The OLIG was an independent, nonpartisan oversight Office whose mission was to investigate allegations of misconduct by members and employees of the Chicago City Council (CCC.) The OLIG received complaints alleging misconduct and conducts investigations thereof at the request or with consent of the City of Chicago Board of Ethics (BOE, and/or members of the public. From these investigations, the OLIG issued confidential reports of findings to the BOE, including, but not limited to, recommendations and dispositions such as sustained or not-sustained findings of allegations. The OLIG also conducted audits of City Council operations, policies and procedures. Responsibilities included, but were not limited to:- Investigated allegations of, but not limited to, fraudulent, corrupt or criminal activity, conflicts of interest, unethical conduct, misconduct, and incompetence of City of Chicago Aldermen and employees of the Chicago city council;
- Extensive analytical experience with Illinois State Board of Elections D2 and D1 reporting;
- Extensive interviewing of witnesses, complainants, subjects, and any other relevant parties;
- Provided direction, supervision, and investigative training to investigators;
- Worked in conjunction with the United States Department of Justice and other federal and state investigative agencies in furtherance of OLIG investigations and prosecutions;
- Determined and designated appropriate resources and techniques towards initiation of investigative matters;
- Assisted in development of inter-departmental and internal policies for investigative practices in accordance with applicable ordinances and regulations;
- Assisted in the formal disclosure, reporting, and issuance of various extensive reports delineating outcomes of investigations, audits, evaluations and inspections to all relevant parties;
- Assisted in legal research of federal, state, and local criminal, civil, and administrative codes and laws for compliance purposes
Political Writer and Consultant
(April 2002-March 2013) Wrote a daily political blog on issues impacting Illinois for 3 years. Elected Official consults or consulted with: McHenry County Board President and former State Representative Jack Franks, Appellate Court Justice Joy Cunningham, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Former Congressman Michael Flanagan, Former City Clerk Susana Mendoza, Former Alderman Bob Fioretti, Former Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, Former Chicago Commissioner of Consumer Services for the City of Chicago Caroline Shoenberger, former Illinois Comptroller Loleta Didrikson, former Chicago Public Schools Board President Gery Chico and founder of Dreyfus Funds, Jack Dreyfus.President, Comm2 Inc.
(November 1990 – March 2002)- Founded public relations/advertising with a staff of eight full time employees with a diverse client roster.
- Had a governmental division that worked with elected officials.
- Had an entertainment division that worked with radio and TV shows
- Promoted clients in the general press and many professional venues.
- Built coalitions to execute common clients’ goals.
Vice President Martin E. Janis Public Relations
(1987-1990)- Practiced financial public relations
- Promoted investor relations for publicly held corporations
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Majored in Economics and Journalism
Manhattanville College Purchase, New YorkCOMPUTER SKILLS
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) Accurint, PACER, CLEAR, IDIS and extensive investigational and oppositional research skills.Other Skills
Fundraising, campaign strategy, crisis management, policy and planning,image building, grass roots organization and public policy development.AFFILIATIONS
- Member Chicago Bar Association
- Member National Association of Inspectors General
- Associate Member of National Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- Member Chicago Chapter of National Association of Fraud Examiners
- Board Member of the Chicago Legal Clinic
- Board Member of The Jesse White Tumblers
- Board Member of the 18th District Police Advisory Council
- Board Member of the Midwest Division of Simon Wiesenthal Center
- Board Member of Chicago Area Public Affairs Group
- Board Member of Catholic Charities Marketing Committee
- Board Member of the National Radio Hall of Fame
- Event Board member of the James R. Jordan Foundation
- Former Board member of City Club of Chicago
- Former Board Member of Chicago Area Public Affairs Group
- Former Board member of CANTV
- Former Board member of Midwest chapter of Shaare Zedek Hospital of Jerusalem
- Former Vice President of the Board of Little City Foundation
- Former Board member of Kup Purple Heart Foundation
- Former Chairman of the City of Chicago Kathy Osterman Awards
- Former Commissioner on the Chicago Commission of Human Relations.
Michael Primeau
Read moreMichael Primeau was born in 1991 in Ferndale, Michigan. At an early age, Michael began showing the makings of a future engineer. Most children would play with their electronic toys, whereas Michael would disassemble them, just to understand how they worked. At the age of 8, he developed an interest in the disassembly of the old computer systems his father would bring home for him to play with. He then began repairing them in his spare time. This sparked a passion for technology and complex computer systems.
He attended Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering Technology in 2018. Throughout his journey at LTU, he absorbed knowledge from many educators and fellow students and learned valuable lessons. One of these lessons was the discipline to learn, which is how he obtained his degree – his ‘license to learn’. Another lesson was the ability to see no limits to the heights in which his skills and knowledge base could grow.
Here are the certificates he earned
Edward John Primeau
Read moreEdward John Primeau CCI, CFC
1703 Star Batt Drive Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Direct: 248.853.4091 Toll Free: 800.647.4281 Fax: 248.659.1696
Ed@PrimeauProductions.comUS Cases:
1. Attorney Mark Bendure Bendure & Thomas Detroit, MI Defense -Forensic Audio Authentication The Judicial Tenure Commission V. Ferrara 1998 I provided forensic services for the defendant, Judge Ferrara, with Counsel Mark Bendure. My responsibilities included voice identification and examining the tapes for tampering. The Executive Director, Allen Sobel, represented the JTC. I testified in this case in Detroit, Michigan in front of the Judicial Tenure Commission. 2. Attorney Camille Conway Pugh, Jones & Johnson Chicago, IL Prosecution – Forensic Video Authentication E2 Disaster - People ex rel. City of Chicago V. Le Mirage, INC. 2003 This was the well-publicized Chicago nightclub stampede disaster that made national news. I was retained by the city attorney of Chicago to examine a nightclub’s digital surveillance system. The system had been tampered with and the original footage was not available to examine. Several people were trampled while trying to evacuate a nightclub on Michigan Avenue. The surveillance system incorporated a digital video recorder. One of the owners was behind the accidental erasure of all video evidence. 3. Attorney Margolis Edelstein Pittsburgh, PA Prosecution – Forensic Video Authentication David Brinker V. Municipality of Marysville 2004 I provided forensic services for the Municipality of Marysville to analyze general police department tapes for authenticity and possible alteration. I was hired by the police department in Marysville, Pennsylvania. I testified via telephone. 4. Attorney Patrick Coolahan Coolahan, DeMeo & Beard, P.C. Oak Brook, IL Defense – Forensic Video Clarification People of the State of Illinois V. Michael Hay 2005 I provided forensic services for the defendant as a video expert. A CCTV video tape of a jewelry store robbery was provided and I captured some frames from the surveillance video and clarified them. I then made several prints of the captured video frames and sent the prints and video files (on a CD). I testified to my findings in the DuPage County Circuit Courthouse in Oak Brook, Illinois. 5. Attorney Charles McKinney Columbus, Ohio Defense – Forensic Audio Authentication People of Ohio V. Wendell Jackson 2006 This is a criminal case I testified in where a CI made audio cassette recordings of a police officer during business transactions. He tried to entrap the officer with receiving stolen merchandise. I examined the cassette recordings and testified in the Federal District Court of the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division Courthouse in Columbus, Ohio for this criminal case and determined that they could not be authenticated. We won the case which went on to a civil case I also testified in. 6. Attorney Steven Potter Potter, DeAgostino, O’Dea and Patterson Auburn Hills, Michigan Defense – Forensic Video Analysis Haddad V. Indiana Pacers 2006 I was the video expert for the defense, the Indiana Pacers, during this one week trial, took the stand once to explain the video evidence I had assembled from all network sources, including ESPN, Fox Midwest and WB20. I testified in The United States Federal District Court, Eastern Division of Michigan. The jury returned a not guilty verdict on behalf of the Pacers. 7. Attorney Dianne Marx Dayton, Ohio Defense – Forensic Video Authentication U.S. Gold and Diamonds V. JKD Diamond Brokers 2008 This case was in the Federal Court in Dayton Ohio on November 3rd, 2008. It involves my examination of an Integral Technologies digital video CCTV system examination and authentication of video evidence and the operational characteristics of the system itself. Although I did not testify at trial, I was deposed and worked closely with the attorneys to have the opposing expert removed from the case and helped write numerous interrogatories that eventually proved the evidence was altered. On November 24th 2008 the jury awarded my client a total of 6.9 million dollars in loss and compensatory damages as well as legal fees. Complete article appears in the Dayton Business Journal November 25th 2008. http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2008/11/24/daily21.html 8. Renee Hill & Murray Richmond Law Offices of Murray Richmond Bronx, New York Defense - Forensic Video Clarification and Video Authentication People V. Louis Moux 2010 I testified in the Bronx Supreme Criminal Court in New York about a digital video file being used as evidence that was not an original. It included anomalies and could not be authenticated 9. Attorney Lisa Scolari Law Office of Lisa Scolari New York, NY Defense – Forensic Video Clarification United States of America V. Anthony Boykin 2013 I was able to restore and clarify images from a video to assist in this case for which I testified in front of US District Judge Colleen McMahon in the US Federal District Court in the Southern District of New York. 10. Attorney Nenye Uche & Attorney Tamara Walker Chicago, IL Defense – Forensic Video Authentication People V. Eric Litwin July 2013, October 2013, February 2014 I testified, twice, in the LaSalle County 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois in front of Judge Ryan on a motion to dismiss hearings and a third time at trial for this video authentication case. I authenticated video from both the Utica Police Department and the Illinois Police Department. On September 17, 2015, the plea of guilty was reversed by the Appelate Court of Illinois, Third District. http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2015/3rdDistrict/3140429.pdf 11. Client: Officer Steve Hicks Evansville, IN Defense – Forensic Video Enhancement Police Department Internal Affairs Investigation Steve Hicks V. City of Evansville, Indiana 2013 I was retained by Officer Steve Hicks of the Evansville, IN Police Department. Officer Hicks was under departmental investigation. I examined video from security cameras both inside and outside the establishment. I testified in this case but the testimony was not effective due to the fact that I was not able to examine the actual video cameras or equipment. 12. Attorney Ken Ravenell & Attorney Stanley Reed Baltimore, MD & Bethesda, MD Criminal Case, Defense – Forensic Video Authentication State of Maryland V. Shirley Bolton 2013, 2014 I testified on surveillance video for this case at the Ellicott City Circuit Court House in Maryland. I recovered video evidence from a home surveillance system in order to enhance and identify a series of events that took place. After the evidence was recovered, I assisted the defendant and the court with the ability to view this video during trial and the sentencing hearing. 13. Attorney Tom Barr Nashville, IN Criminal Case, Defense – Forensic Audio Authentication State V. Bailey 2014 I was retained to conduct a digital audio authentication examination in this criminal case. I discovered the audio was edited and testified for six hours in Judge Stephen Heimann’s Court in Bartholomew County Circuit Court. 14. Attorney Veronica Bindrim-MacDevitt Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Hauppauge, NY Criminal Case – NY Attorney General Suffolk County – Forensic Video Analysis People V. Kethlic Joseph/Medford Center for Living 2015 I worked for the New York Attorney General to create a side by side demonstrative video from a four hour period of CCTV surveillance footage from a nursing home. I testified in the Arthur Cromarty Court Complex in front of a double grand jury and Judge Collins. 15. Attorney Andrew St. Laurent New York, NY Plaintiff - Forensic Analog and Video Authentication Stern V. Shammas 2015 I was retained to authenticate analog and video recordings. I testified in Federal Court in the Eastern District of New York before Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, both with and without presence of the jury 16. Attorney Shawn Warner Shawn A. Warner Associates, Ltd. Chicago, IL Civil Case , Plantiff – Forensic Video Analysis Jones V Union Pacific Railroad 2016 I forensically analyzed video evidence from Union Pacific Railroad. I then testified in the Northern District of Illinois Federal Court, in Chicago, Illinois about the mobile digital video recorder evidence that was presented in this case. 17. Attorney Jonah Stevens Hamilton and Stevens, PLLC Pikeville, KY Criminal Case, Defense – Forensic Video Enhancement & Identification Commonwealth V. Elkins 2016 I forensically enhanced and stabilized video evidence extracted from YouTube. I then testified in the Pike District Court, Division I, in Pikeville, Kentucky about the forensic identification and analysis I performed on the video. 18. Attorney David Kramer Novi, MI Criminal Case, Defense – Forensic Video Analysis and Enhancement People V. Djordje Jankulov 2016 I analyzed and enhanced a Novi Police Dash Cam video to present to the Trier of Fact to determine if the vehicle crossed the center line. I played my work product at the bench trial and testified in the 52nd District Court in Novi, Michigan before Judge Travis Reeds. 19. Client: Art Jensen Houghton Lake, MI Criminal Case, Defense – Forensic Video Enhancement and Authentication Patrick and Merry Hitchcock V. Art Jensen 2016 I was retained to enhance CCTV footage of vandalism that occurred on Mr. Jensen’s property. I testified at a PPO Hearing in the 34th Circuit Court in Roscommon, Michigan before Judge Robert Bennett. 20. Attorney Rosalind Lee Eugene, Oregon Criminal Case, Defense – Forensic Video Authentication State V. Sassarini 2016 I testified at a Motion in Limine hearing at the Circuit County Court of the State of Oregon in Curry County that the 3 video clips I was asked to authenticate were not original. 21. Attorney John E. Curran Curran & Associates Osage Beach, Missouri Criminal Case, Defense - Forensic Video Enhancement CCTV Surveillance State V. Timothy Barb 2016 I testified in Randolph County Circuit Court in Huntsville, Missouri about a CCTV video recording from a convenience store for the Defense. 22. Attorney Chris Trainor White Lake, Michigan Evidentiary Hearing - Forensic Video Analysis Michelle Van Buren, Personal Representative for the Estate of William Reddie, deceased and William Reddie V. Crawford County, City of Grayling, John Klepadlo and Alan Somero 2016 I testified at this evidentiary hearing in Judge Thomas L. Ludington’s Court on Washington Ave. in Bay City, Michigan. 23. Attorney Megan O’Reilly Blackburn Domene & Burchett Lousiville, Kentucky Civil Case - Forensic Video Analysis and Video Enhancement Charlestine Lindsey, et al. V. Louisville SW Hotel, LLC, et al. 2017 I testified at the Circuit Court located at 700 West Jefferson Street in Louisville, Kentucky in regards to CCTV footage of a drowning in a hotel pool. 24. Attorney Eric Delaporte Delaporte Law, PLLC Okemos, MI Civil Case - Forensic Video Enhancement & Identification 2017 I testified in a Reeths-Puffer school administrative building in regards to the work products I enhanced from the video evidence and my opinion about the events that took place in the video. 25. Attorney Jim Feldman Ardmore, PA Defense – Forensic Audio Authentication United States V. Nicholas Djokich 2017 I testified in front of Senior Judge Mark L. Wolf at the Boston Federal Court in Boston, Massachusetts. The court was hearing the defendant’s plea on whether or not to have a retrial based on new audio evidence information. 26. Attorney Greg Johnson Lewis Brisbois Law Firm Sacramento, CA Civil Case – Forensic Evidence Recovery/Video Enhancement/Exemplar Creation Robert Riesenman V. John Baser; Laurie Baser; James Lovejoy; Jason Cavallini 2017 I worked for the plaintiff in a civil litigation involving a business related theft. I performed Evidence Recovery, Video Enhancement and Exemplar Creation for Video Authentication. I testified in front of Judge Warren Stracener at the Cameron Park Branch of Superior Court of the county of El Dorado. 27. Trond Sefatsson Rattskonsulterna AB Sweden Forensic Video Analysis 2012 I was asked to examine still images from a bank robbery committed in Nassjo, Sweden in 2002. I was able to determine the number of people in the images as well as their height. 28. Lila Pigliafiori Mount Isa, Qld Australia Forensic Video Enhancement 2012 I clarified and enlarged images from a surveillance video that showed an incident with an individual being struck by a car door. I was able to prove that the individual did not suffer the amount of physical injuries they claimed to from the door, but instead, that the injuries occurred after the incident when the individual instigated a fight. 29. Indian Forensic Lab Delhi, India Forensic Audio Authentication 2013 I was asked to conduct an investigation in regards to an audio recording. I was able to discover if there were any edits or anomalies in the recording.The following is a list of cases that I was retained to work on for different law enforcement departments across the US.
30. Detective Dorothy Peterson Sparks Police Department Sparks, Nevada Prosecution - Forensic Video and Audio Clarification 2011 I assisted Detective Peterson and the Sparks Police Department with both the audio restoration and transcription of a seven hour interrogation video. I did not testify in this case, however, I was on the witness list for the prosecution. 31. Sergeant Kirk Deeken St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department St. Louis, MO Internal Affairs - Forensic Audio and Video Enhancement 2013 I was retained by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs to conduct audio and video enhancement on a dash cam footage of a high speed police chase and OnStar satellite audio recording 32. Detective Brad Boulet West Bloomfield Township Police West Bloomfield, MI Prosecution - Forensic Audio Enhancement and Sound Identification The People of the State of MI V. Sandra Layne 2013 I worked for the West Bloomfield, Michigan PD to identify and determine the number of shots that were fired during a homicide.
Reporter and Film Director
Read moreNada Shamah
Reporter and Film Producer
WMP Justice Review
Nada Shamah began her career in communications as a general assignment reporter at the Southwest News Herald. She's covered politics, crime and investigative stories. Shamah then decided to work in nonprofit where her communication skills would be put to good use. She's served as communication director for various nonprofit organizations throughout the city of Chicago. She has been fortunate to have experience in all major areas of communication: print, television and radio. As a documentary producer and editor, she began working with attorneys from the Midwest. Shamah produced videos that were used as demonstrative evidence in court and in mediation. Her experience grew and so did her desire to work in other areas of law. She realized her real passion was to work in criminal justice. Shamah joined an organization whose mission was to to ensure the justice system be held accountable. This is done with a transparency policy that will monitor humane practices to ensure the incarcerated are treated with human dignity. She began producing videos that were used as tools to assist criminal attorneys. Combining her love of journalism and storytelling, her passion is now legal video production. Let us use our experience in communications to give you the tools and resources to help your client, using the latest, state-of-the-art technology and a product that has been around for years
Stone & Associates
Read moreJed Stone
Attorney At Law
Director WMP Justice Review
“Nothing is more scary and demoralizing than being charged with a crime. The thought of going to jail or prison is terrifying.”
- Criminal defense
- Homicide
- Sex crimes
- Drug crimes
- White collar crimes
- Medical marijuana law
- Illinois, 1976
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1983
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1985
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1986
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1984
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 1976
- U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 1989
- Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, Illinois
- Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois
- Freedom Award - 2015's Most Influential African American of Lake County
- AV® Preeminent(TM) Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Recognition in Who's Who in American Law
- Leading Illinois Lawyer in Criminal Appellate Advocacy
- Fellow, American Board of Criminal Lawyers
- Teacher, National College of Criminal Defense at Mercer Law School
- Teacher, New York State Defender Institute
- Former Adjunct Professor of Law, Northwestern University
- Lecturer, Department of Politics, Lake Forest College
David Thompson, CFI
Read moreDAVID THOMPSON, CFI
CURRICULUM VITAE
CONTACT
David Thompson, CFI
Partner | V.P. of Operations
Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc.
323 W Galena Boulevard
Aurora, IL 60506-4891
630.852.6800 | Phone
dthompson@w-z.com
EDUCATION
2007 | B.A. | Canisius College
Psychology | Criminal Justice
Buffalo, New York
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI)
ASSOCIATIONS
International Association of Interviewers International Investigative Interviewing Research Group ASIS International
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2014-Present: Partner | Vice President of Operations
Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc. | Aurora , IL
2013-2014: Asset Protection District Manager
Rite Aid Corporation | Buffalo, NY
2013 – 2013: Recruit Trooper
New York State Police
2010-2012: Regional Loss Prevention Manager
Abercrombie & Fitch | Buffalo, NY
2006-2010: District Loss Prevention Manager
Kohl’s Department Stores | Philadelphia, PA
2003-2006: E-4 SPC; Reserve Officer Training Corps
New York State Army National Guard | Buffalo, NY
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
David Thompson, CFI, is responsible for the day-today operations of Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc. (WZ), as well as strategic planning in the evolution of interview and interrogation content. David has also served as the Director of Investigations for WZ providing him the opportunity to manage a variety of cases while conducting interviews and consulting on investigations ranging from theft and fraud to sexual harassment and homicide. As an instructor, David has created customized training programs, presented at seminars, hosted a variety of webinars as well as conducted live broadcasts of training. He is also an active member of the International Association of Interviewers (IAI) and has contributed blogs, video tips and published several articles to support the continuing education of its members.
David has also played an integral role in the ongoing evolution of content and innovative teaching methods. Developing training that is presented in a virtual broadcast venue, creating opportunities for distance learning and contributing to some of WZ’s newest technology. He has also led the creation of numerous customized curriculums including a major program for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, serving as the Deputy Program Manager.
David is recognized as an expert in the interview and interrogation domain and has collaborated with members of the Innocence Project, Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth and other academic partners to further the enhancement of interview protocols throughout the U.S. David has contributed opinions for a variety of cases, argued for legislative changes, contributed to amicus briefs and has been cited by the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals for his involvement on the topic of interview and interrogation.
DAVID THOMPSON, CFI
CURRICULUM VITAE
SELECT PRESENTATIONS AND LECTURES
| OCT 2019 | Petition for Executive Clemency on Behalf of Brendan Dassey Contributing Speaker |
| JUN 2019 | Intersection of Confession Evidence and Shaken Baby Syndrome Convictions Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences | Putting Science in Forensic Science |
| APR 2019 | CFI’s vs PhD’s: Same Letters, Different Goals - An Analysis of the Interrogation International Association of Interviewers | Elite Training Day |
| FEB 2019 | Organized Crime Interviewing California Organized Retail Crime Coalition |
| OCT 2018 | Isn’t it Obvious? The Cognitive Interview Florida Retail Federation |
| OCT 2018 | Organized Crime Interviewing California Organized Retail Crime Coalition |
| SEP 2018 | Interview and Interrogation Techniques Cook County Organized Crime Conference |
| JUL 2018 | Practical Perspectives to Identifying the Truth: Academic & Practitioner Partnership International Investigative Interviewing Research Group Symposium |
| APR 2018 | The Cognitive Interview Metro Organized Crime Association | New York City |
| NOV 2017 | Solving Difficult Investigations – Selective Interview Techniques Association of Certified Fraud Examiners | Mexico City |
| OCT 2017 | Cautions of Confrontation U.S. Asia Law Institute | New York University Wrongful Convictions Symposium |
| JUN 2017 | An Interrogator’s Perspective on Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” National Retail Federation PROTECT |
| AUG 2016 | Interviewing Techniques for Fraud U.S. Customs and Immigration Services |
| JAN 2016 | Advanced Criminal Interviewing Techniques New York State Office of Attorney General |
| JUN 2015 | Interviewing Techniques U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission |
SELECT PUBLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Videotape all Police Interrogations: Justice Demands It
The New York Times | Saul Kassin, PhD; David Thompson, CFI | August 2019
What Is The 'Reid Technique,' And Was It Used In The Interrogation Of The Central Park 5?
Oxygen – Martini’s and Murders | Gina Tron | Contributing Opinion | June 13, 2019
Seeking Clarity in the Era of False Confessions
Northwestern Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology | Contributing Speaker
Brief of Independent Law Enforcement Instructors as Amici Curiae
United States Supreme Court | Contributing Author | 2018
In the “Making a Murderer” Case the Supreme Court Could Help Address the Problem of False Confessions
The New Yorker | Douglas Starr | Contributing Opinion
Conducting Interviews: An Auditor’s Guide to Getting to the Truth
Journal of Forensic & Investigative Accounting | Berecz, Metrejean, Thompson
Brief of Amici Curiae to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Juvenile Law Center | Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates | Professor Brandon Garrett
I Did It?! Why Innocent People Confess
Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates
Inside the Organized Retail Crime Interview
Loss Prevention Magazine
Multi-Disciplinary Video Blog Series
International Association of Interviewers | 2014 – Present | Contributing Author
Truth Be Told Bi-Weekly Column
Downing-Downing Daily Newsletter | 2019 - Present
The Confession Tapes | Gaslight | Season 2, Episode 1
Netflix | Contributing Opinion
TalkLP Podcast Co-Host
TalkLP | Amber Bradley & Dave Thompson, CFI | 2019 - Present
SELECT CURRICULUM AUTHORSHIP
| MAR 2020 | U.S. Law Enforcement | Criminal Interviewing and Interrogation Seminar (In Press) A three-day course designed for the law enforcement professional ranging from local to federal agencies. This curriculum covers multiple non-confrontational interview techniques, legal framework and a comprehensive overview of false confessions. |
| JAN 2020 | Wicklander-Zulawski | Practical Aspects of Interview & Interrogation Techniques (In Press) |
| JAN 2020 | Wicklander-Zulawski | Workplace Investigative Interviewing Seminar Program developed for Human Resource, Employee Relations and Legal Counsel to conduct appropriate investigative interviews for workplace issues. Curriculum is built over a two-day course and previous versions have been presented to attendees across the globe. |
| JUN 2019 | Office of Inspector General | Cognitive Interviewing Techniques This course was designed to instruct the OIG investigators on the appropriate use of the cognitive interview when investigating allegations of fraud. |
| MAR 2019 | Non-Confrontational Interview Techniques | Maryland Commission of Civil Rights This two-day course included interview methodology that is tailored to investigations of discrimination, harassment and civil rights violations. The curriculum included multiple methods of non-confrontational interview methods. |
| SEP 2018 | THE LINK Powered by WZ | A Simulated Interview Training Program THE LINK technology, developed in partnership with Simmersion was designed to facilitate training for investigators after attending a seminar on interviewing techniques. The content written for this program included over 450 interviewer statements with correlating feedback and instructional notes that highlight the benefits of non-confrontational interviews |
| JUN 2018 | U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services | Non-Confrontational Interview Techniques A comprehensive two-day course designed for USCIS agents and officers investigating fraud in the naturalization and immigration process. The curriculum and course guidelines were reviewed and accepted by the USCIS training team, resulting in over 2,000 investigators being placed through the program in the first two years. |
| SEP 2017 | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | Non-Confrontational Interview Techniques This course was developed for investigators from across the United States tasked with cases of fraud, discrimination and harassment. Multiple methods of non-confrontational techniques were covered and tailored to meet the needs of these specific case types. |
| JAN 2017 | Chicago Police Department | Detective Academy | Criminal Interview & Interrogation Techniques This four-day program was built for Chicago Police to coincide with their desire to train all Detective’s on non-confrontational interviewing techniques. The course focused on multiple methods of interviewing as well as a comprehensive overview on false confessions and the risks of improper techniques. |