$162K Fine for Overtime Violations

Avon construction company to pay $162K for violations of Massachusetts Overtime Law

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Diaz Construction, formerly of Brockton, now of Avon, and its president, Leonel Diaz, 47, of Bridgewater, to resolve allegations that the company violated the Commonwealth’s wage and hour laws. Under the agreement, Diaz will pay $142,000 in restitution to 129 former and current employees and a $20,000 penalty to the Commonwealth.

In June 2008, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division began an investigation into the employment practices of Diaz Construction after receiving complaints from former Diaz Construction employees alleging that they had not been paid the proper rate for overtime pay. Throughout the investigation, Diaz and his company cooperated fully and provided the payroll records for the period between July 2006 and June of 2008 to the Attorney General’s Office. A self-audit of the payroll records by the company revealed that Diaz had unintentionally failed to pay his employees time-and-a-half for overtime hours worked between July 2006 and May 2008.

The matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Lillian Hirales and Investigator James P. Coughlin, both of the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division.

Under the Massachusetts overtime law, most employers in the Commonwealth are required to pay employees time-and-a-half for any hours over 40 they work per week. The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing the prevailing wage, minimum wage and overtime laws, and the payment of wages laws in the Commonwealth.

Workers who feel that these laws have been violated in their workplace are urged to call the Office’s Fair Labor Hotline at 617-727-3465. More information about the wage and hour laws call CTK today at 954-652-0733.

Woman Wins $9 Million Verdict Against Mistress

North Carolina Woman Wins $9 Million Verdict Against Husband's Mistress

Rumors circulated recently that Elizabeth Edwards was considering suing Andrew Young, ex-aide to John Edwards, under a North Carolina law that allows spouses to sue third-parties that cause the demise of their marriage.

Nothing ever came of that, and we had a hard time understanding how it was Young that could be held responsible for that collapse anyway. But, more to the point, we assumed it was one of those laws that sat on the books but was never actually used. We were wrong.

A North Carolina wife, Cynthia Shackelford, sued her husband's mistress, Anne Lundquist, claiming alienation of affection, intentional inflection of emotions distress and other adultery-related allegations, Greensboro's News & Record reported.

Shackelford said her husband's relationship with Lundquist ruined her marriage, but the husband, Allan, and Lundquist claim the marriage was broken before their relationship began, the article said. Lundquist and Allan Shackelford now live together, even though the Shackelford's divorce is not final, the ABA Journal noted.

The $9 million seems to be totally out of left field -- Lundquist did not even show up for court and was representing herself because she said she cannot afford an attorney. She believes she was not properly notified about the case and is looking for someone who will represent her on appeal.

So really this is all just odd, but if you also saw the Elizabeth Edwards story and assumed that North Carolina law was just held an honorary place on the books -- well, now we know that isn't so. And, according to the ABA Journal, there is an average of 200 such suits a year.

Cheating Spouse Investigations

Adultery / Infidelity Investigations

(Marital): The first step in the evaluation and discovery of a potential affair with infidelity, unfaithful spouses, adultery, and cheating mates is the obtaining of an objective, professional opinion as to the merits of the case. CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC provides free consultations from professional and experienced private investigators nationwide.

Is your spouse unfaithful, having an affair, acting suspicious, or deceitful? Do you know what is happening for certain? Surveillance, bodily fluids testing, and communications investigations for phone activity, internet use, email, instant messenger, and more are some effective ways to determine inconsistencies or consistencies in a subject’s behavior to discover the affair. Documentation is the most important part of your case. Having a thorough report, an explanation of video, and still photography evidence can help you with your presentation of the facts. If you decide to work with a qualified Florida family attorney, it is important that we can work together for your case to protect you and your interests.


Even if you are an Executive, Professional Athlete, Professional, Entrepreneur, Public Celebrity, Government Official, or a spouse of one, with Cory T. Knight and our Florida private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC you can be 100% assured and guaranteed confidentiality! Our investigation agency and our team understand the need for a thorough and discrete spousal or significant other investigation.

Have you noticed changes in the subject’s behavior- signs of infidelity?
• Excessive or discreet use of the computer
• Overtime hours or holdovers with work
• Hiding of phone, credit card, or bank accounts histories
• Excessive arguing of facts related to time
• Blaming behavior of false accusing
• Negative projections behavior - accusing you of an affair
• Lack of sexual interest or abnormal renewed sexual interest
• Abnormal call activity at the home or cell phones - Hang ups and long tones
• Removal of pictures or photos from wallet
• Lost wedding ring
• Singles behavior - out with friends
• These are only some of the signs



All evidence is collected and provided in a strict, factual and specific manner. Preliminary and scientific forensic lab analysis is also available. Extramarital affairs often lead to divorce; we do not interfere -- we are here to help. We can assist in items from the discovery process to recovering from infidelity. Our Florida private investigators believe infidelity is a very serious matter and should be treated accordingly -- infidelity is hurtful and degrading and we can help in a courteous and professional manner.



If your spouse or significant other is cheating, you deserve to know the truth. With the help of one of our Florida infidelity private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC can begin to start the healing process. This may not include keeping the relationship together. If you decide that your marriage is irrevocably broken, you are going to need the discreet services that the Florida private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC offer. As difficult as it may be to come to terms with, you are going to need to get the facts and protect your interests. Coping with infidelity is not easy, but living with it is worse. Call Cory T. Knight today to discuss your spousal or significant other infidelity investigations.



As always, please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight at (954) 652-0733, or any of our Florida private investigators for a FREE consultation. If you prefer, you can click here to e-mail us. Our private investigation agency is here to assist you, contact us today.

Items to which you can expect to have access for Unfaithful and Cheating Mate - Adultery Investigations:
• Surveillance
• Polygraph Examination Lie Detection
• Semen Testing
• Bodily Fluid Testing
• DNA for Hair and Skin
• Covert Pregnancy Testing
• Surface Drug Testing
• Photos of Unknown Subjects
• Communications Activity
• Computer Usage
• Internet Usage
• Email Tracing
• Identity Verification
• Covert and Undercover Assignments

People who we catch (the cheater):
• Cheating Wife or Unfaithful Wife
• Cheating Husband or Unfaithful Husband
• Cheating Spouse or Unfaithful Spouse
• The Emotional Infidelity
• The Other Woman
• The Other Man
• Marital Infidelity
• Matrimonial Investigations


Online Infidelity
Many times e-mail, messenger activity, the workplace, and other communication mediums are aggravators in the process. We have Florida private investigators and computer experts that have extensive forensics experience that can explain how you can discover and use our investigations and computer monitoring software with your discovery process.

Were You Paid For Your OVERTIME?

Did you get paid for the OVERTIME YOU WORKED?

Our Florida Private Investigators had the opportunity to assist with computer forensics to prove that employers were violating The Fair Labor Standards Act. This commonly known as the “FLSA,” and it requires covered employers to pay their employees time and one-half their regular rate of pay for each and every hour worked over Forty (40) in a work week. For employees whose normal pay is not based upon an “hourly” rate, their regular rate requires calculating all of their compensation into an hourly rate. Certain incentives, such as commissions and non-discretionary bonuses, may also need to be considered when calculating the overtime rate. While most private employers may not substitute “comp time” for overtime wages an employee has earned, and therefore these employees should be paid, some government employers are permitted to provide their employees with time off benefits instead of paying overtime wages.

Regardless of whether employees receive their wages through a salary, an hourly rate, a draw, a production rate (a piece rate), or commissions , or even a combination of these or other types of pay, the FLSA requires covered employers to pay overtime wages for each and every hour worked over Forty (40) in a work week. If you believe that you worked overtime and you were not paid for it, CALL US TODAY for your FREE CONSULTATION. We may be able to recommend one of the attorneys we have worked with that specializes in overtime cases. They will be happy to speak with you TODAY.

You worked - now get paid what you were entitled to! CALL US TODAY 954-652-0733

Texting While Driving Accidents

U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition is effective immediately and is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Department to combat distracted driving since the Secretary convened a national summit on the issue last September.

“We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe,” said Secretary LaHood. “This is an important safety step and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving.”
The action is the result of the Department’s interpretation of standing rules. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

"Our regulations will help prevent unsafe activity within the cab,” said Anne Ferro, Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “We want to make it crystal clear to operators and their employers that texting while driving is the type of unsafe activity that these regulations are intended to prohibit."

FMCSA research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. Drivers who text while driving are more than 20 times more likely to get in an accident than non-distracted drivers. Because of the safety risks associated with the use of electronic devices while driving, FMCSA is also working on additional regulatory measures that will be announced in the coming months.

During the September 2009 Distracted Driving Summit, the Secretary announced the Department’s plan to pursue this regulatory action, as well as rulemakings to reduce the risks posed by distracted driving. President Obama also signed an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment. Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009.

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident or truck related crash while working due to the other driver’s negligence due to texting while driving, please click here so that the law firm of CTK INVESTIGATIONS ,LLC can answer your questions for FREE. All of our consultations are confidential and we always offer FREE CONSULTATIONS.

Fishing in Naples with Captain Dave Hanson

Today's blog has nothing to do with private investigations, cheating spouses, computer forensics or surveillance. It is centered around fishing. Over the weekend I had the great pleasure of fishing with Captain Dave Hanson of www.fishbustercharters.com . We caught some trout, sheepshead, jack, snapper, and the intermittent annoying catfish. Captain Dave was great, my brother in law and I had a blast and definately would use Fish Buster Charters in Naples again.

You can check out our pictures here.

Cheating Spouse Surveillance

Ft. Lauderdale Florida Cheating Spouse Investigator.....

Chances are that if you suspect your wife or husband is cheating on you, they may or may not be. Before you make any rash or harsh decisions, ask the direct question. Are you cheating on me, on our relationship. If the answer is no and you "gut instinct" is telling you that they are not truthful you may want to make a decision.

At this point you can decide that you have no time in you life for untrustworthy people, and move on. If that is not the case and you NEED that piece of mind in simply knowing the truth, call Cory T. Knight or any of our cheating spouse private investigators today at (954) 652-0733. We would urge you to speak to you attorney (if you have one) prior to hiring a private investigator as many top divorce attorneys work with private investigators like CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC that specialize in surveillance and counter surveillance. your attorney may advise you that unless there is a pre-nuptial agreement the surveillance may not be used or even helpful in Florida, however to protect yourself from disease and ultimately your sanity, you may wish to proceed.

If you wish to proceed we would first review the case and the merits of the case with you, what our expectations are and how we run our surveillance cases. If you agree with how we manage our investigations, and you decide to retain us we will proceed on an agreed upon investigation.

We understand the frustrating and emotional situation you are in, however it is our job to provide you with the facts. If you need to know the truth, call Cory Knight today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case.

National Missing Children's Day 2009

LOOKING FOR OUR CHILDREN

'National Missing Children's Day 2009'
05/25/09

The following information was obtained by the FBI, please help if you can.

These are just a very few of the children who are far away from home tonight.

Please take a minute to look at all the faces on our Kidnapping and Missing Persons webpage and see if you can identify Crystal, Chioma, Steven, or any of the other children listed there with their stories.

Please also take a look at the faces of the children who have been kidnapped by a parent—Camille and the other 39 kids.

And we hope you'll visit our Crimes Against Children page to learn all you can about what a dangerous world it can be for our kids…and our Resources for Parents page to learn how to protect them in today’s world.

Last: join us in honoring the law enforcement officers and others recognized as part of National Missing Children's day, including FBI Agents Alexis Carpinteri, Michael D. Leverock, and Greg Ryman.

Note: The children pictured or identified here may have been located since the above information was posted on this website. Please check our Wanted by the FBI website or contact your local FBI office for up-to-date information..

Florida School Accident Investigator

Florida School Accident Investigations

The private investigation agency of CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC has represented clients in Hollywood, Florida, and the entire state of Florida for many years. Our South Florida school accident investigators have represented clients that sustained fractures, lacerations, burns, and many other injuries due to the negligence of the facility and the teachers or aids.

We understand that you are entrusting the wellbeing of your child or children with school officials to ensure that your child is safe. Part of the facilities responsibilities are to ensure that your child is safe while in their custody. That means that teachers do not allow bullying, place hot coffee within the reach of children that could get burns that means not allowing them to play on playground equipment after it rained so there are no slip and fall accidents, or even leaving the children unattended where one child can abuse another. You trust them to watch your children while you are at work. They have a duty to protect and maintain a safe environment for your children. If that duty was breached and your child suffered an injury, please feel free to contact us today.

Our South Florida private detective agency has investigated countless cases where children, adolescents, and young adults that were injured on school grounds due to the negligence of school employees. We understand the fear, frustration, and anger you feel after your child is injured. These feelings are even stronger when you are not present to see exactly what happened. The personal injury investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC have the experience and history of success to represent you and your family’s best interests, to help protect your rights and your children’s rights. Let our family protect you and your family after this traumatic event.

If your child has been a victim of a elementary school accident, middle school accident, high school accident in South Florida, including Hollywood, Miami, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Davie, or in any city in Florida, it is imperative that you know your legal rights.

Our Florida elementary school, middle school, high school accident investigators have over many years of combined experience and we have investigated thousands of injury and accident claims. We have assisted local Florida injury and accident attorneys with trial displays, diagrams of injuries, schematics of accident scenes, and we are committed to giving you all of the attention you and your children deserve. If needed we may be able to recommend a Florida attorney to assist you in determining your legal rights, as well as to ensure you protect your interest and file the appropriate notice and or lawsuit to ensure you or your family receives adequate compensation for your school accident related injuries. If your child, or children, were the victim of a battery, slip and fall, trip and fall, playground accident, burn injury, or suffer cuts and bruises due to the negligence of the school, feel free to click here to contact our agency today for a FREE consultation. If you prefer, you can contact us toll free at (954) 652-0733. We are available 24 hours a day to review your daycare or pre-school accident. All of our consultations are FREE.

Florida Bicycle Accident

Florida Bicycle Accidents

In Florida, as in many states the freedom enjoyed by children is the ability to get on their bicycle and go where they want. Unfortunately bicycling accidents cause many fatalities and personal injuries each year. Many bicycle accidents are completely preventable, as they are usually caused by the negligence of motorists or by defective bicycles and products. If you are / were a pedestrian or cyclist who has survived an accident or if you've lost a loved one to a bicycle accident, the private investigation agency of CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC can help. We have successfully investigated many accidents where our client or family member has suffered due to the negligence of another person. Our investigations and the attorneys we work with have helped many bicyclists get medical care and we have provided the support needed to rebuild their lives after a bicycle related accident.

We all know that bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries. Many times neck and head injuries are very common, and many bicyclists suffer brain damage after a serious bicycle accident. Spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, broken limbs, and even permanent injuries are not uncommon with this type of accident. Unfortunately, cyclists involved in accidents often miss considerable amounts of work while they are recovering. Injuries may require reconstructive surgery or lengthy and expensive medical treatment. Not all insurance companies are willing to pay a bicyclist without a struggle -- don't forget, many insurance companies hire attorneys of their own. Bicyclists should hire their own professional Florida attorneys to represent them so that they can get the best medical treatment and the best support they can.

As Florida is a no-fault state, a bicyclist or pedestrian who has been injured in an accident may be entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits up to $10,000 from the vehicle that injured them or from any vehicle owned in their household. In order to get the full Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits you may be entitled to, it is important to speak to qualified Florida investigator that has successfully investigated thousands of accident claims. Furthermore we may be able to recommend attorneys who specialize in dealing with bicycle injury cases.

Our qualified Florida detectives can help you understand your legal rights and can help you decide from the many options available to you. Our South Florida investigators will thoroughly evaluate your case, look into your specific situation, and work with everyone involved in the accident, including any insurance companies, municipalities (cities), to ensure that you get the help you need. Our investigators have many years of experience and have assisted Florida attorneys with trial preparations, displays, accident scene investigations, accident recreations, and we have the capacity to see your case from the first day of injury until the last day of achieving a settlement or jury award.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, or if you've lost someone due to bicycling accident, contact the private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS today. We may be able to recommend a Florida attorney that specializes in injury and accident cases. Contact us online or call us at (954) 652-0733 to set up a FREE consultation. There is no obligation for this FREE consultation, and our Florida private investigators can easily meet in your office, hospital room, or home to discuss your case.

Florida Computer Forensics Experts

CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC’s Computer Forensic Investigations Experts specialize in conducting an exhaustive, detailed and accurate investigation of information derived from computers in Ft. Lauderdale, South Miami, Palm Beach, South Florida, and throughout Florida for attorneys, businesses, other Florida private investigators, concerned parents and individuals.
As licensed Florida private investigators, we approach each computer forensic case as we would any other type of confidential investigation. Our investigative approach to computer forensics is not shared by many of the “computer experts” in south Florida whose idea of an “investigation” is to hope that the forensic software they purchased will find the data you need. Our computer forensics software is a vital part of this unique investigation. If you need knee surgery after a sporting injury you visit an orthopaedic surgeon, not a general practitioner. Accordingly, why would you hire someone who is not an private investigator to investigate your confidential computer cases and help with your computer forensics investigations? We apply our training and our investigative mindset to every computer forensic case. Our investigative advantage is very real and many of our clients in Ft. Lauderdale, North Miami, South Miami, Palm Beach, and all of Florida are surprised at what CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC is able to find on a computer’s hard drive, on any flash memory card, cell phones / pda’s and any device that has a hard drive.

The common denominator we have come to realize in computer forensics investigations, is that you get what you pay for. As experts, we have encountered far too many "computer experts" who have elected to dabble in this arena but are either unable to find the data that their client needs or who cannot substantiate the conclusions they draw. When results matter most, call CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC today to speak with Cory T. Knight about your computer forensics needs.

We have assisted Florida businesses and Florida attorneys in these types of computer forensics cases including the following: Data theft, software infringement, fraud, breach of contract, embezzlement, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, conspiracy, child pornography, trade secret misappropriation, data misappropriation, stalking, asset locating, wrongful termination, age discrimination, sexual harassment, theft of corporate assets, intellectual property violation among many other requested forensics investigations.

Our computer forensic investigations can recover electronic evidence from the following types of devices:

· Hard Drives
· Back-up Storage Media
· Databases
· E-mail Servers
· Web Servers
· Internet Sites
· Personal Digital Devices (Blackberries and cellular telephones)

Click here to e-mail Cory T. Knight or feel free to call us at (954) 652-0733

Internet Safety Florida Private Detective

Internet safety for your Children:

The internet is an increasingly important place for children to learn, work and play. But it also presents challenges for parents, teens and younger children, especially considering that anonymity that masks users. At CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC we are receiving frequent requests from parents for computer monitoring software to ensure their children are safe. We feel this information will prove helpful for parents.

You can help your child avoid online pornography and encounters with predators, hackers and others who would exploit children and their personal information by establishing rules for internet use, and making sure the rules are enforced.

General tips for parents:

· Learn everything you can about the Internet. Have your children show you the sites they visit, learn chat room lingo and acronyms that chatters use (like POS for Parent Over Shoulder; more examples are included on this page). Know what other Internet functionally your child may have access to like instant messaging, chat, e-mail and other text messaging.

· Establish approved Internet time and territory. Make it clear to children what sites they can and cannot visit, what hours they may use internet, and with whom they may communicate.

· Keep the computer in a common area of the home, such as a living room or family room, where adults can easily monitor online activity.

· Discuss the importance of telling you or a trusted adult if something ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable or confused while online.

· Consider safeguarding options like site blocking, filtering and monitoring. Enter these keywords into any search engine to learn more about software and browser settings that can help you control where children and teens go online. Know how to set parental controls and check the browser’s history files.

· Show your children how to turn off the monitor when something makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.

· Make sure you are aware of any other places your child may be using the Internet, such as friend’s house or the library.

· Talk to your children about what personal information is and why they should never give it out.


E-mail Safety:


· Check the e-mail your children receive for appropriate content. All too often, e-mail addresses are “harvested” by unscrupulous marketers; the resulting “spam” messages frequently contain adult content.

· NEVER post your child’s e-mail address in any directory.

· Don’t unsubscribe on unwanted, un-requested or unsolicited e-mail. Don’t sign up for free offers (remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!)

· Don’t forward e-mails to everyone in your address book.

· Make sure children only exchange email with people they know and let them use chat areas you supervise.



Tips for children and teens:


· Print these requirements and post them near the computer in your home after discussing them with your family.

· Don’t give out personal information such as name, age, address, telephone number, parent/guardian’s name and school name/address.

· Do not respond to mean, offensive, threatening or unwanted email or instant messaging.

· Chose a screen name that doesn’t identify you as a young boy or girl.

· Don’t share your password with anyone (except a parent/guardian) not even a best friend.

· NEVER agree to meet with someone you don’t know. Remember, people online may or MAY NOT be who they say they are.

· Tell your parents, a teacher or trusted adult if you read or see something online that makes you uncomfortable or is someone threatens you or suggests you meet.

Internet Chat Acronyms:

AFAIK = As far as I know
AFK= Away from the keyboard
ASL= Age Sex Location
BB= Bathroom Break
BF= Boyfriend
BRB= Be right back
CUL8R OR CULR= See you later
HW= Homework
IDC= I don’t care
KOTC= Kiss on the cheek
LOL= Laugh out loud
LYL= Love you Lots
LYAS= Love you like a Sister
LYAB= Love you like a Brother
OMG= Oh my G-d
POS= PARENT OVER SHOULDER
SN= Screen name
TMI= Too much information

Please feel free to view our web-page at http://www.ctkinvestigations.com/ , or contact Cory T. Knight for any additional information

Computer Forensics Hollywood Florida Private Detective

South Florida Computer Forensics

My last blog discussed your children and Internet safety; today I will review computer forensics and an overview of forensic investigations. What would you do if you realized that while you read this blog, every pathway from the second you turned your computer on, until the second you think you shut the computer down is encoded and copied? Do you still have a right to privacy? Is the computer you are reading this on now yours, or is it the property of your employer? If the answer is the latter, does your employer not have the right to ensure that you are doing work on their time? Have you ever realized that even after you delete documents, e-mails, instant messages, chat sessions, and cell phone backups your information can be restored. Computer forensics has been defined as the science of applying computer science to aid the legal process. In our experience we have been called upon by parents to monitor their teenager&risqué;s computer activity, by business men and women that deleted work files, doctoral students that have deleted their thesis, criminal investigations to clone hard drives and establish a timeline of activity among many other computer forensics investigations. When you think of Big Brother you may not completely understand the comprehensive realm of computer forensics. Basically, anything that has an internal memory or memory device has the ability for computer forensics investigators to recover data.

With the ever growing digital age, we have been able to utilize forensic investigations on computers to assist in documenting and presenting evidence in a variety of cases from attempted homicide, employee theft, adults preying on children online, among other private investigations. The systematic inspection of computers, cell phones, pda&risqué;s, USB devices, or other digital memory devices can support evidence in a civil investigation, criminal investigation, or for personal data recovery or employee monitoring. Computer forensics requires specialized expertise and tools that goes above and beyond the normal data collection and preservation techniques available to end-users or system support personnel.

The computer forensic private investigator can render an opinion, based upon the examination of the material that has been recovered. After rendering an opinion and report, to determine whether they are or have been used for criminal, civil or unauthorized activities, many times the forensic investigation speaks for itself. The ability to complete a variety of investigative searches is essential. Some children will find when parents monitor their computers an invasion of privacy, however their innocence can be exploited. Computer monitoring software and open discussions with your children will take the DO NOT TALK TO STRANGERS talk to the new millennium stranger, the Internet predator.

The use of digital evidence has increased in the past few decades as courts have allowed the use of e-mails, digital photographs, ATM transaction logs, word processing documents, instant message histories, files saved from accounting programs, spreadsheets, Internet browser histories, databases, the contents of computer memory, computer backups, computer printouts, Global Positioning System tracks, logs from a hotel&risqué;s electronic door locks, and digital video or audio files. Florida computer forensic private investigators are used now more than ever to preserve evidence, recover data, analyze information, interpret and present the findings based on the recovered computer forensics.

Computer Forensic Examples

Forensics can be defined as the use of technology and science for investigation and fact recovery when dealing with criminal matters. Computer forensics is the technological aspect of retrieving evidence to use within criminal or civil courts of law. They are able to recover damaged and deleted files. Some cases in particular used the art of computer forensics as their lead of evidence to indict a criminal offender or find the location of a missing person.

Example One
Chandra Levy , who went missing on April 30 , 2001, was a Washington, D.C. intern whose disappearance was widely publicized. While her location was unknown, she had used the Internet as well as e-mail to make travel arrangements and to communicate with her parents. The use of this technology helped a computer criminalist trace her whereabouts. The information found on her computer led police to her location, even though she had been missing for one year.

Example two
There have been a number of cases at private schools where authority figures have been charged with possession of child pornography. These discoveries were made using computer forensics. By tracking the buying and selling of pornography online, computer forensic investigators have been able to locate people involved in these crimes. They are able to use information found on the computers as circumstantial evidence in court, allowing prosecution to occur.

Example three
A final example of how computer forensics is affecting the current workplace is the aspect of security. Employees' work computers are now being monitored to ensure no illegal actions are taking place in the office. They also have heightened security so outsiders cannot access a company’s confidential files. If this security is broken a company is then able to use computer forensics to trace back to which computer was being tampered with and what information was extracted from it, possibly leading to the guilty parties and other potential parties involved.
Hopefully this helps as many people e-mailed me and asked for more information on employment and children monitoring forensics. Feel free to read more on my webpage http://www.ctkinvestigations.com/ .

Phone Threats - Florida Private Investigator

FLORIDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL THREATENING CHARGE

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARTHUR O'NEILL, 43, of Miramar, Florida, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to one count of threatening.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on January 7, 2008, O'NEILL placed telephone calls to his sister, who resides in Connecticut, and left messages on his sister's answering machine in which he threatened to harm her. O'NEILL stated in these messages that, if his sister did not contact him within 24 hours, he would come to Connecticut to hurt or kill her and specifically threatened to cut his sister "to shreds with a knife."
O'NEILL has been detained since his arrest in Florida on February 19, 2008.

Judge Droney has scheduled sentencing for August 1, 2008, at which time O'NEILL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul H. McConnell.

Health Care Fraud - South Florida Private Investigator

PALM BEACH COUNTY MAN SENTENCED IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD, BANKRUPTCY AND MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME

R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, David W. Bourne, Special Agent in Charge, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office, and Jonathan I. Solomon, Special Agent in Charge, Miami Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that defendant Domeneco Abate was sentenced on May 12, 2008 by the Honorable United States District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks to 27 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, Abate was ordered to forfeit $155,000 and to pay an additional $278,813 in restitution.

On February 28, 2008, Abate pled guilty to a three-count Information, charging him with health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud and wire fraud. The health care fraud charges to which the defendants pled guilty stemmed from the defendants’ unlawful receipt of substantial health insurance benefits for themselves and their families. From June, 2001 through September, 2004, the defendants obtained insurance benefits by falsely claiming to be employees of The Medicine Shoppe, a retail pharmacy franchise in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In addition, with the defendants’ consent, the Medicine Shoppe used the defendants’ health insurance information and that of their families to file false prescription drug claims.

Abate also pled guilty to bankruptcy fraud. On or about August 12, 2004, Abate filed a bankruptcy petition and schedules on which he falsely listed his wife, co-defendant Eileen Abate, as being employed as the manager of The Medicine Shoppe, with a monthly gross income of approximately $17,714. Abate also pled guilty to wire fraud, in that he submitted false loan documentation to support the purchase of his home in Wellington, Florida. In the loan application, Abate falsely stated that his wife was an Office Manager at The Medicine Shoppe, with a gross monthly income of $9,864. In addition, the loan documentation falsely stated that approximately $165,000 of the down payment for the purchase of the home was a gift from relatives. Abate agreed to forfeit $155,000 for this mortgage fraud.

Also sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Donald M. Middlebrooks was co-defendant Vincent Trupia. Trupia, who pled guilty to a single count of health care fraud, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, with a special term of 180 days’ home confinement. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $83,545.75 for insurance benefits he received through The Medicine Shoppe.

Sentencing for co-defendant Diane Mangicapra is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2008 at 11:30 a.m., and for Eileen Abate on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 4:45 p.m., before the Honorable Donald M. Middlebrooks in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Mr. Acosta commends the investigative efforts of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn Bell, Lynn Rosenthal, and Antonia Barnes.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/ or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov/.

E-Scams - South Florida Computer Forensics

New E-Scams & Warnings

PHISHING RELATED TO ISSUANCE OF ECONOMIC STIMULUS CHECKS

The FBI warns consumers of recently reported spam e-mail purportedly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which is actually an attempt to steal consumer information. The e-mail advises the recipient that direct deposit is the fastest and easiest way to receive their economic stimulus tax rebate. The message contains a hyperlink to a fraudulent form which requests the recipient's personally identifiable information, including bank account information. To convince consumers to reply, the e-mail warns that a failure to complete the form in a timely manner will delay the issuance of the rebate check.

One example of this IRS spam e-mail message is as follows:

"Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of President Bush's program to jumpstart the economy.

Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund.
The fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct deposit to your checking/savings account.

Please follow the link and fill out the form and submit before May 10th, 2008 to ensure that your refund will be processed as soon as possible.

Submitting your form on May 10th, 2008 or later means that your refund will be delayed due to the volume of requests we anticipate for the Economic Stimulus Refund.

Consumers are advised that the IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications via e-mail. In addition, the IRS does not request detailed personal information via e-mail or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.

Please be cautious of unsolicited e-mails. It is recommended not to open e-mails from unknown senders because they often contain viruses or other malicious software. It is also recommended to avoid clicking links in e-mails received from unknown senders as this is a popular method of directing victims to phishing websites.

If you have received an e-mail similar to this, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at http://www.ic3.gov/.

Cyber Investigations - Florida Private Investigator Computer Forensics

Cyber Investigations
How To Protect Your Computer


The same advice parents might deliver to young drivers on their first solo journey applies to everyone who wants to navigate safely online. A special agent in our Cyber Division offered the following:



- "Don't drive in bad neighborhoods." - "If you don't lock your car, it's vulnerable; if you don't secure your computer, it's vulnerable."- "Reduce your vulnerability and you reduce the threat."
Below are some key steps to protecting your computer from intrusion:



- Keep Your Firewall Turned On: A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information. Software firewalls are widely recommended for single computers. The software is prepackaged on some operating systems or can be purchased for individual computers. For multiple networked computers, hardware routers typically provide firewall protection.



- Install or Update Your Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a virus or a worm, it works to disarm or remove it. Viruses can infect computers without users' knowledge. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to update automatically.



- Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware—in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It's like buying groceries—shop where you trust.



- Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.



- Be Careful What You Download: Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant anti-virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.



- Turn Off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being "always on" renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection, which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker's connection—be it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer's resources to reach out to other unwitting users.

Wi Fi Security Tips - Florida Private Investigator

Wi-Fi Security
FBI



You’re at the airport waiting for your flight. With time to kill, you’re thinking of connecting your laptop to the airport's Wi-Fi to check your office e-mail...do some personal banking...or shop for a gift for your spouse.




But first, consider this: odds are there’s a hacker nearby, with his own laptop, attempting to "eavesdrop" on your computer to obtain personal data that will provide access to your money or even to your company's sensitive information.




Here's something else to consider: there are 68,000 Wi-Fi "hot spots" in the U.S. (see the graphic below for the top Wi-Fi countries), at airports, coffee shops, hotels, bookstores, schools, and other locations where hundreds or thousands of people pass through every day. While many of these hot spots have secure networks, some do not, according to Supervisory Special Agent Donna Peterson of our Cyber Division. And connecting to an unsecure network can leave you vulnerable to attacks from hackers.




How do hackers grab your personal data out of thin air? Agent Peterson said one of the most common types of attack is this: a bogus but legitimate-looking Wi-Fi network with a strong signal is strategically set up in a known hot spot...and the hacker waits for nearby laptops to connect to it. At that point, your computer—and all your sensitive information, including user ID, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.—basically belongs to the hacker. The intruder can mine your computer for valuable data, direct you to phony webpages that look like ones you frequent, and record your every keystroke.




“Another thing to remember,” said Agent Peterson, “is that the connection between your laptop and the attacker's laptop runs both ways: while he's taking info from you, you may be unknowingly downloading viruses, worms, and other malware from him.”




Businesses that offer free or ad-hoc Wi-Fi often don't know their networks have been breached. Individual victims usually don't realize they've been targeted either until it's too late. That’s why, according to Agent Peterson, there aren't reliable stats on the number of these breaches, although the FBI does periodically receive reports on them. It's also very tough to trace a hack that originates on an open, unsecure network.




Agent Peterson explained that the criminal aspect comes into play once data taken by the hacker is used to commit a crime. If the hacker, armed with your personal or corporate information or access codes, tries to break into a secured network—whether it’s a case of intrusion, identity theft, bank fraud, theft of intellectual property, or any other type of crime—then law enforcement gets involved.




What can you do to protect yourself? Agent’s Peterson’s best advice is, don’t connect to an unknown Wi-Fi network. But if you have to, there are some precautions you can take to decrease the threat:

• Make sure your laptop security is up to date, with current versions of your operating system, web browser, firewalls, and antivirus and anti-spyware software.
  
• Don't conduct financial transactions or use applications like e-mail and instant messaging.
  Change the default setting on your laptop so you have to manually select the Wi-Fi network you’re connecting to.
  
• Turn off your laptop's Wi-Fi capabilities when you're not using them.

Mortgage Fraud - Florida Private Investigator

MORTGAGE FRAUD

New Analysis of a Rising Threat

We’ve just released a comprehensive new report on mortgage fraud—now posted in full on this website. And, as you might expect given the downturn in the economy and all the troubles in the lending industry, it isn’t a pretty picture.

The information can get quite technical, with plenty of charts, graphs, and hard numbers. But we invite you to take a read if you’re interested in getting educated on the issue—and on emerging schemes that might impact your own pocketbook.
Among the key findings:

... Mortgage fraud is clearly on the rise. Although there is no central way to track the total extent of the problem, we received 46,717 Suspicious Activity Reports related to mortgage fraud last year—compared to 35,617 in 2006 and just 6,936 in 2003. Only seven percent of these reports documented an exact dollar amount in terms of losses, but even so, the total loss from this seven percent was $813 million. Our caseload has also escalated. By the end of fiscal year 2007, we were handling just over 1,200 mortgage fraud investigations—a 47 percent increase from 2006 and a whopping 176 percent increase from 2003.

... The downward trend in the housing market will continue (see forecasts provided by the Mortgage Bankers Association in the report), providing further incentive for shady real estate industry insiders to look for dishonest ways to turn a profit and growing opportunities for scam artists to prey on vulnerable homeowners.

... The subprime lending crisis is a contributing factor to mortgage fraud, both directly and indirectly. Subprime loans, designed for people with poor or limited credit histories, now represent more than 13 percent of all outstanding loans—double the percentage of five years ago. These high-interest, high-risk loans contributed to the 2.2 million foreclosures filed during 2007, up 75 percent from 2006. The trouble actually began when home prices were rising a few years ago, leading to relaxed lending practices throughout the industry and the exaggeration of assets by borrowers anxious to qualify for loans, both of which contributed to fraud.

... The top 10 hotspots nationwide for mortgage fraud in 2007, carefully mapped from multiple public and private sources, were: Florida, Georgia, Michigan, California, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New York, Colorado, and Minnesota. The north-central region had the largest share of mortgage fraud, followed by the west and southeast regions.

.. The latest mortgage scams run the gamut: from “builder-bailout” schemes where developers unload excess inventory through financial trickery…to foreclosure rescue frauds that trick homeowners into signing over the deed to their house; from seller-assistance scams that use false appraisals to sell homes…to identity theft that leads to home equity credit lines being opened and drained. See the report for more details.

The report also briefly recounts our proactive response to the problem, including our participation in the Department of Justice's Mortgage Fraud Working Group, through which we are helping to identify large-scale industry insiders and criminal enterprises conducting systemic mortgage fraud...our work in multi-agency mortgage fraud task forces and working groups around the country...and our recent “Mortgage Fraud Summit” to discuss the issue with special agents nationwide.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Florida Motorcycle Accident

What should I do if I am in a motorcycle, car, auto, or accident?

As a fellow motorcycle enthusiast, I understand the dangers involved with riding motorcycles on Florida roads, especially the ever so fun I-95 runs. I have compiled some helpful information on what to do following a car, auto, or motorcycle accident. Our years of experience investigating thousands of Florida auto accidents, Florida motorcycle accidents and Florida car accidents has led us to the following helpful information for you: We feel that it is important to call the police and seek medical treatment immediately. Keep in mind that the shock of being in a collision may mask any pain until hours or even days later. Our Ft. Lauderdale, Florida motorcycle and car accident investigators have compiled a complete list of what to do after a motorcycle, car, or auto accident. Most importantly, before you speak to the at-fault driver's insurance company about your injury, contact a private investigator at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC today. As always, please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight at (954) 652-0733, or any of our Florida private investigators for a FREE consultation. If you prefer, you can click here to e-mail us. Our private investigation agency is here to assist you,

How much is my auto accident / motorcycle case worth?
This question is difficult to answer as it depends on many factors:

If someone else's negligence caused the auto accident and resulted in injuries, one of our lawyers can help you obtain any payment you are entitled to for your medical bills plus compensation for pain and suffering. This would include past and future medical bills.

If you were seriously injured and missed time from work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or loss of earning capacity in the future. Our proven Miami, Florida auto accident lawyers can help you retain such compensation.

There is no crystal clear answer to this question or even a proven formula to determine exactly how much a case is worth. Usually the defendant’s insurance company, or in certain circumstances even your own insurance company may offer a bodily injury settlement , uninsured , or underinsured motorist settlement dependent upon many factors. Medical bills, Positive findings on MRI’s, EMG, NCV, or CT scans, Specialists indicating that these injuries were a direct result of the accident and you require some additional medical intervention. Moreover, due to this motorcycle accident you have suffered some permanent damage. Another factor is the liability of the defendant. These are all factors that as Florida private investigators, we can assist you and your Florida motorcycle accident attorney to establish. Our private investigation agency has assisted in literally thousands of injury accidents and has assisted south Florida injury attorneys during trial. We can obtain your medical records and bills from all providers, obtain the complete police report and any supplemental reports, obtain a declaration sheet from the defendant’s insurance as well as yours to have a clear picture of the value of your motorcycle accident case. Furthermore, we can possibly recommend one of the south Florida motorcycle accident or south Florida car accident attorneys that we have worked with to provide you with legal representation should you wish.

How long will it take to bring my auto accident case to a conclusion?
Within the scope of our investigation agency, we have found that the complexity of the accident as well as the particular injuries sustained are just a couple of the components in determining the time frame of the conclusion or settling your Florida motorcycle accident case. We may be able to assist you in resolving your case based on an understanding of their current and future medical conditions, or we can possibly recommend one of the south Florida motorcycle accident attorneys that have successfully assisted our clients over the years. Once our Florida private investigation agency becomes involved with your motorcycle or car accident case, we find that the average car, motorcycle, or auto accident case is resolved within eight to 12 months.

I have full coverage, why am I not covered?
Almost on a daily basis, we hear that, “I have full coverage.” I can count on one hand how many times clients actually do have “full coverage”. Full coverage in Florida, usually indicates you have PIP, BI, UM / UIM, Med-Pay, Umbrella, and stacking when available. Even with all of the above listed coverages, this does not automatically imply that your bodily injury claim will be covered. Our Florida private investigators can either contact your insurance company for clarification on your insurance coverage(s), or we may be able to recommend a Florida motorcycle accident, or south Florida car accident lawyer that has proven results with our clients over the years.

Does my auto insurance cover my motorcycle accident?
Generally speaking in Florida, many motorcycle owners believe that they will be covered by their automobile insurance if they are involved in a crash. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In Florida, insurance is not required for the owner and rider of a motorcycle. Furthermore, the PIP coverage a motorcycle owner may have on his car will not cover the owner if injured on a motorcycle. Our south Florida private investigators can assist you with this process and investigate your claim, furthermore we may be able to recommend a Miami, Florida auto accident lawyer or Miami motorcycle accident attorney that can help answer more of your questions concerning motorcycle accidents in Florida.

What are the MMI and permanent impairment ratings?
As one of the final phases of your claim, prior to your potential settlement, you will reach MMI. Once a physician has decided you are at Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), some doctor's assign, and insurance company's request, a permanent impairment rating (PIR). This does not mean that you are back to the physical or mental condition you were at prior to the accident, it simply means your condition has stabilized and you have suffered a loss and some measure of permanent bodily injury. At the conclusion of your treatment with a doctor, our Miami, Florida car and motorcycle accident private investigators can request a final narrative of your condition from the treating doctors. We would also request your medical records indicating your raiting from each specialist such as a chiropractor, orthopaedic surgeon, or neurologist. This is generally done pursuant to American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines. A permanent impairment rating technically is not called for as a basis at trial in a Florida motorcycle, or automobile case, but many automobile insurance companies like to have the impairment rating so they can evaluate your case for potential value after your demand is submitted. Our south Florida private investigators can assist you with this process and investigate your claim, furthermore we may be able to recommend a Miami, Florida auto accident lawyer or Miami motorcycle accident attorney that can help answer more of your questions concerning motorcycle accidents in Florida. These attorneys will be more than willing to offer you a FREE consultation, and if they take your case they will work on a contingency basis.

What is my next step?
A comprehensive review of your claim will further be investigated. Illustrations of the accident scene, property damage pictures, property damage receipts, medical bills and records along with a demand to the appropriate insurance company will be prepared. Prior to sending this off to the proper party, a final review will be completed with you to ensure that you did not see any additional physicians or have any special tests such as MRI, CAT scans, EMG, or NCV tests or any lost wages. Once we are confident that we have all of the facts, we will usually complete an asset search on the defendant or responsible party and submit the demand package to the insurance company. Like almost every other paragraph that preceded this,… If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, motorcycle accident, or any other scooter or bicycle accident our Miami, Florida private investigators can possibly recommend a Miami motorcycle accident attorney, Miami car accident attorney to assist you with your claim. This can be done at any stage of our investigation and at your request. Call Cory T. Knight at (954) 652-0733 today to discuss your Florida motorcycle, car, bicycle, automobile, or truck accident. If you prefer you can click here to submit a new case form or click here to contact us via e-mail.
For more information on automobile and motorcycle accidents, contact our Fort Lauderdale car accident private investigators and auto accident investigators today for a FREE consultation.

What to do after a Car, Motorcycle, or Auto Accident
Our advice following a Florida car, motorcycle, or auto accident is as follows: The moments immediately after a car, motorcycle, or auto accident require clear, rational thinking to protect yourself and your personal property. There are a number of steps you can take to increase your chances of financial recovery and the amount of that recovery in your Florida motorcycle accident, auto accident, car accident, or bicycle accident case. Our Miami, Florida car, motorcycle, and auto accident private investigators suggest the following steps:

Insist that a report for car or motorcycle accidents be filed with the Miami or Florida State Police, or the police department where the accident occurred.

Document as much as you can about the car, motorcycle, bicycle / scooter, or auto accident or injury itself. Our Miami, Florida car, motorcycle, and auto accident private investigator will need to know every detail about your injuries, any other losses (such as wages) you have suffered as a result of the accident. Moreover, any conversation you had with anyone involved in the accident including any statements to any insurance company.

Talk to no one about the car, motorcycle, or auto accident or injuries other than your private investigator, attorney or physician. You especially do not want to speak with an insurance adjuster. We can, at your request potentially recommend a personal injury attorney that has proven results with many of our cases in the past that will be happy to assist you.

Be sure to take photos of the car, motorcycle, bicycle / scooter, or auto accident scene, including any visible injuries and the vehicles involved. If you failed to do this, document the exact location and our Florida private investigators can take pictures and satellite images to assist with the reconstruction schematic if necessary.

Get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident who may be able to help prove your case.

Immediately seek medical attention following a car, motorcycle, bicycle / scooter, or auto accident. Be sure to explain how the injuries occurred to your doctor or surgeon. You need to mention any sensations of pain, radiating pain, disorientation, confusion, memory lapses, or other conditions you have sustained as a result of this accident. Ask the doctor to take pictures of your bruises, cuts, or any visible injuries. If the doctor does not do this routinely, we will be more than willing to document these injuries.