Publications

• Navigating the Complex Intersection of Cryptocurrency, Cybercrime, and Privacy: Challenges and Solutions for Law Enforcement and Regulation

Cryptocurrency - Former FBI Special Agent (Cyber)

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Over my 20-year career as an FBI Special Agent, I specialized in investigating complex cyber-enabled financial crimes, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, exchange compromises, SIM swapping, phishing, and account takeovers. My work extended into advanced cryptocurrency tracing, digital forensics, email and VOIP analysis, and international coordination with foreign law enforcement. I founded the FBI’s Orange County Cyber Task Force, bringing together federal, state, and local investigators to combat sophisticated cybercrime, and the investigative techniques I developed were disseminated across all 52 FBI Field Offices. From 2021 through my retirement in December 2023, I led U.S. government investigations into large-scale cryptocurrency fraud operations, including “pig butchering” schemes—now recognized as one of the most significant global crypto fraud threats. This work resulted in a nomination for the Attorney General’s Award from the Department of Justice’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET). Since retiring, I have continued to serve as an authority in cryptocurrency investigations, including appearing as an expert guest on Dr. Phil in April 2024. Today, I lead Crypto Experts LLC, where I focus on expert witness services in high-stakes litigation involving cryptocurrency. My practice is particularly focused on two areas: Divorce and Family Law Matters Involving Cryptocurrency I assist attorneys and courts in identifying, tracing, valuing, and documenting digital assets that are often hidden, mischaracterized, or misunderstood. Cryptocurrency is frequently used to conceal assets, and I ensure full transparency by tracing funds across wallets, exchanges, and blockchains so that all assets are properly accounted for and fairly divided. Exchange Hacks, Account Takeovers, and Security Failures I conduct forensic analysis of exchange activity, login patterns, transaction flows, and internal records to determine how unauthorized access occurred and whether proper safeguards were in place. I evaluate exchange security practices, identify failures in monitoring and customer notifications, and provide clear opinions on responsibility and causation. EB-5 Cryptocurrency Source of Funds & Traceability Analysis I assist EB-5 applicants in establishing the lawful source of cryptocurrency funds. Using blockchain analysis, I trace assets from origin through wallets and exchanges, and correlate on-chain activity with records such as exchange statements and bank transfers. My work demonstrates source, path, and ownership in a clear, documented format suitable for USCIS review. My work is focused on bridging the gap between complex blockchain data and courtroom clarity. I use advanced forensic tools to trace funds across centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and cross-chain bridges. I have extensive experience working with records from exchanges including Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, KuCoin, and others. In addition to technical analysis, I provide comprehensive litigation support, including drafting subpoenas and interrogatories, analyzing exchange records and internal logs, identifying hidden or dissipated assets, preparing expert reports and rebuttals, and delivering testimony in both state and federal court. What sets my work apart is my ability to combine deep investigative experience with the ability to clearly explain cryptocurrency issues to judges, juries, and legal teams. I translate complex blockchain evidence into clear, actionable insights that support effective legal strategy and give my clients a decisive advantage. I hold a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering from the University of Southern California. My certifications include CISSP, GIAC (GCFE, GCIH, GISF), and TRM Advanced Certified Investigator, among others.