Raids Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.846

Summary

A successful and versatile computer professional with more than fifteen years experience helping individuals and companies build the systems infrastructure required

for continued growth. Expert 846 is also a trained and Certified Computer Forensic Technician.

Experience

Computer Consultant, West Hills
President, February 1998 – Present

Full service IS/IT consulting firm dedicated to small-medium sized businesses,specializing in forensic computer analysis and support for attorneys involved in technical litigation.

Projects

Embezzlement – June 2003

Objective: Former CFO of an organization has been accused of misappropriating funds in collusion with the CEO. We have been asked to examine the remaining computer evidence involved in the case to determine whether there are any traces of improper activities.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Employment Firm Dispute – May 2003

Objective: Partner in an employment firm left to start competing business.

Original firm believes partner took their contact database. We have been retained to acquire forensic copies of the computers available and to determine whether there is any evidence to substantiate claims.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Dispatching Software Liability – April 2003

Objective: Purchaser of dispatching system utilizing two-way paging system cancels contract after more than a year stating that the system does not work.

Insurance company for the defendant has asked us to look into the case, examine the systems involved in order to determine the validity of the claims.

Disposition: Ongoing.

HMO Management Project – March 2003

Objective: Analyzed extensive project records in a failed outsourcing contract to perform medical claims processing for client HMO. Project records show that experience and skills claimed by supplier during marketing phase were not sufficient to avoid unacceptable claims backlogs and excessive payment error rates.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Forensic Analysis – January 2003

Objective: Several executives left their employer to join another firm. We have been asked to acquire forensic copies of several computers in order to determine whether the former employees engaged in any misconduct prior to their departure.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Web Application Hosting – January 2003

Objective: A web application host signed an agreement to provide services for a company which terminated the agreement without the provided notification to cure, and without paying for several months of service. We have been asked to review the services provided to determine whether they met industry standards.

Disposition: Settled.

Software Valuation – November 2002

Objective: An online retailer hired an e-commerce software company to modify their web site and to create a new version with enhanced features. The software company subsequently failed and is suing over unpaid development costs. We have been asked to examine the evidence in the case and to supply a fair market value for the work produced. Analysis demonstrated that supplier billed for work not performed and overcharged for the work they did perform. Client settled before trial for a fraction of what was claimed.

Disposition: Settled.

Breach of Contract – October 2002

Objective: A local garment manufacturer is accused of improperly using images in their catalogs and marketing that were prohibited in the terms of a settlement from a previous suit. We have been asked to examine the evidence to help determine whether the defendant is responsible for the images in question.

Disposition: Settled.

Employee Investigation – October 2002

Objective: We have been asked to make a forensic copy of an employee’s computer and examine the contents as part of an investigation into this individual’s professional behavior.

Disposition: Settled.

Missing Marketing Data? – September 2002

Objective: A local high-tech firm recently lost two of its sales managers and suspect that they may be setting up a competing firm. Owners note that sales databases and other supporting material may have been deleted from company computers before the sales managers left. We have been asked to examine the contents of the computers, to document what is there, and to recover any marketing databases that are recoverable.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Database/Software Comparison – September 2002

Objective: Software company suspects competing product is derivative of their code. We have been asked to examine and document the structure and contents of both packages.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Employee Investigation – August 2002

Objective: Employer suspected that one of his employees was spending company time on personal business and downloading pornography from the Internet.

We acquired the drive from this employee’s computer, analyzed the contents, and produced a report for the employer.

Disposition: Analysis completed and report delivered September 2002.

Computer Hacking Litigation – June 2002

Objective: We have been asked to acquire forensic copies of a company’s computers in order to determine their involvement, or lack thereof, in a web site hacking incident.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Support for Civil Litigation – May 2002

Objective: Attorney has asked us to obtain forensic copies of several computers in order to determine whether any evidence of a specific set of documents exists.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Support for Wrongful Termination Suit Defense – April 2002

Objective: Non-profit business is defending against a wrongful termination suit

from an employee terminated more than two years prior. We have been asked to examine computers and software systems that this employee had access to in order to produce evidence for dismissal.

Disposition: Settled.

Forensic Examination of Computer Data – March 2002

Objective: Confidential.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Software Counterfeiting – March 2002

Objective: We have been hired to establish the fair market value of counterfeit software imported by the defendants.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Assistance with Software Intellectual Property Infringement Case – March 2002

Objective: Software authors claim employer does not own copyright to their work and is accusing employer of hiring other programmers to create new software based upon their design. Involves code/function analysis, possible forensic investigation.

Disposition: Settled.

Analysis & Consulting for Potential Wrongful Termination Suit – December 2001

Objective: Our client’s email system had been compromised internally and they asked us to create evidenciary copies of computer hard disks in prepration for the dismissal of several employees. We also assisted in the investigation.

Disposition: Completed.

Support for Medical Malpractice Suit – November 2001

Objective: A doctor involved in a malpractice suit has been notified that the plaintiff’s experts wish to examine his computer system. We have been hired both to examine the doctor’s computers and to supervise any access granted to the opposition.

Disposition: Settled.

Support for Libel Suit – September 2001

Objective: We have been asked to assist in the investigation of a case of libel for a local attorney. We will acquire and examine the contents of several computers in order to help determine the origin of several key documents

Disposition: Settled.

Support for Software Development Dispute – September 2001

Objective: A Las Vegas-based Internet services provider is involved in a lawsuit with a firm they used to outsource some of their development. The dispute hinges upon the quality of the software delivered. We have been asked to examine the software systems in question and to help determine whether it meets industry

standards.

Disposition: Parties settled their dispute based substantially upon our defect and quality analysis.

Support for HR Suit – July 2001

Objective: A national hotel chain has asked us to assist their legal team with a wrongful termination lawsuit. We have been asked to acquire and examine the contents of several computers in order to track the creation and dissemination of several key documents.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Support for Suit Against Insurer – July 2001

Objective: A local computer rental firm has filed suit against the company insuring them against business continuity losses. The firm’s main server crashed resulting in the loss of critical data. We have been asked to analyze the computer and its contents to try to determine why it crashed and how the data were destroyed.

Disposition: Settled.

Expert Support for HR Software System – July 2001

Objective: A local school district has asked us to help support their attorneys in a law suit alleging that their temporary teacher notification system abused the privacy of certain individuals.

Disposition: Settled.

Performance Measurement System – July 2001

Objective: A local pension consulting firm has retained us to develop an online performance measurement reporting system. The project will be supported by SQL Server, Windows 2000, IIS 5.0, Active Server Pages and custom COM objects to produce reports.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Data Acquisition and Expert Witness Support – July 2001

Objective: We have been retained to support litigation against a large health insurance carrier. We will assist counsel by drafting requests for the court, acquiring and analyzing data, and providing expert testimony.

Disposition: After assisting client in the preparation of formal requests for examination and production of the defendant’s computer resources, the defendant offered a satisfactory settlement.

Data Analysis for Wrongful Termination Suit – June 2001

Objective: A large armored car company has hired us to assist their attorneys in analyzing the contents of several computers. Several documents were prepared in conjunction with an HR-related lawsuit and the company is looking for information on when and where they were created or copied.

Disposition: Ongoing.

Hard Disk Analysis – April 2001

Objective: We have been hired by defense counsel to analyze and report on the contents of an individual’s home computer. The computer was confiscated by the authorities for allegedly containing offensive material.

Disposition: The case has been referred to another law firm. Disposition pending.

Data Acquisition and Analysis – March 2001

Objective: We were asked to clone the contents of several computers belonging to expert witnesses involved in a class action suit. Pursuant to the court order issued in this case, we acquired the material, analyzed their contents and submitted reports to the court and opposing counsel.

Disposition: Several documents were found that had not been produced to the court as specified. Preliminary judgment in the case appears to favor the plaintiff.

Expert Witness for Technical Litigation – March 2001

Objective: We have been asked to analyze several hard disks belonging to a firm’s former employees. These employees left the firm to work for another, and the original firm suspects that confidential information may have been compromised.

Disposition: Settled.

Data Acquisition and Preservation – March 2001

Objective: We were recently hired to produce copies of a pharmacy’s computer system in order to preserve their customer and prescription database.

Disposition: Contents acquired and memorialized.

Disposition pending.

Hard Disk Analysis – February 2001

Objective: We have been asked to assist in the defense of an individual accused of possessing illegal computer material. We will analyze the individual’s computer evidence to determine when and if such material was actually obtained.

Disposition: Our analysis showed that the small amount offensive material was obtained during one very short online session and that the defendant lost possession of the computer immediately thereafter. Charges were ultimately reduced.

Expert Witness for Technical Litigation – September 2001

Objective: We have just been hired to assist an attorney with his wrongful death case. Specifically we will be working to establish the decedent’s present/future market value as a computer entrepreneur.

Disposition: Produced an analysis of the past professional income stream and expected future earnings for a computer professional with the deceased’s skills and experience. Ongoing.

Web-based Data Collection System – August 2000

Objective: Building a database driven web site to collect performance data from investment managers. Data is then transferred to analytical products for performance measurement report production. Windows 2000, SQL Server 7.0, ADO, ASP.

Disposition: Debuted December 2001.

Expert Witness for Technical Litigation – June 2000

Objective: Assisting counsel representing a major carpet manufacturer against a class action alleging improper labor cost reimbursements to franchisees.

Case is based upon opposing expert’s analysis of an internal database provided by the manufacturer. I have been asked to review the methodology and results of this database analysis.

Disposition: After analysis of the data and interviews with client operations staff, a formal opinion found that the conclusions drawn by the plaintiff to justify the class action were unjustified.

Expert Witness for Technical Litigation – February 2000

Objective: Hired to serve as part of an expert witness team defending a large shipping services firm in a Federal action. The suit centers on the technical details surrounding an on-demand PC product, accessible via credit cards. Involves investigation of the product’s design, implementation, and functionality in an effort to substantiate or refute the allegations. Analysis of source code, hardware and software implementation. Windows 95, Visual Basic, forensic analysis.

Disposition: Based largely upon our detection of a serious memory leak in the software provided, the developers settled their dispute.

Web-based Community Center – January 2000

Objective: Built an online community center for a northeastern college preparatory school. The site is designed to help facilitate their summer trip programs.

Parents, students, and faculty members will be able to stay in touch by posting pictures, comments, and by conversing in threaded discussion groups. Windows 2000,

SQL Server, Posting Acceptor, ASP.

Disposition: System debuted in June 2000.

Online Performance Measurement Report Platform – October 1999

Objective: Developed database-driven web application designed to accept portfolio holdings and performance data from clients and from this data instantly

produce and deliver high-quality performance measurement reports. Custom server-side COM applications, ASP, SQL Server, ActiveX controls.

Disposition: System debuted in December 2000.

Investment Product GUI and Reporting Package – June 1999

Objective: Designed a Windows GUI to communicate with MSDOS Fortran program. User data is converted and sent to the Fortran program. Output is captured and delivered to user in high-quality graphical reports. Visual Basic, ActiveX controls.

Disposition: Ongoing. Version 3 released June 2002.

Custodial Auditing Package - March 1999

Objective: Developed a system to examine the investment data submitted by a custodial bank and compare it to impartial third-party data to ensure that all transactions are accurate and posted on time. Developed the front-end GUI that assists analysts in producing the reports. Designed the custom reporting engine and the reports themselves. SQL Server, Visual Basic, ADO/ODBC.

Disposition: Completed June 2000.

Endowment/Foundation Management – October 1998

Objective: Manage complicated organizational hierarchy, create customized reports. Three-tiered design utilizing Visual Basic, Access, ODBC, ADO/RDO, ActiveX controls.

Disposition: Completed February 2000.

Employee Relocation System – September 1998

Objective: Provide Internet-based interface to existing Employee Relocation software system. Provide linkage to other online resources. Provide networking/communications, hardware integration support. Visual InterDev, FrontPage, Access, ODBC, ADO/RDO, ActiveX controls.

Disposition: Completed March 1999.

Performance Measurement Software – March 1998

Objective: Track, analyze, and build custom performance reports.

Three-tiered development using Visual Basic, SQL Server, Access, ODBC, ADO/RDO, ActiveX controls.

Disposition: Last version released June 2001.

Wurts & Associates, Santa Monica IS Director, September 1994 – February 1998

Responsible for strategic planning, design, implementation and administration of all IS issues for multi-site regional investment consulting firm.

Created four analytical software systems for Windows based networks Performance Measurement System. Primary product for the firm, this system tracks client investments in excess of $25 billion allowing Consultants to measure portfolio performance, attribution and characteristics, analyze asset allocation, and monitor adherence to portfolio investment policy guidelines. Designed efficient, normalized database structure converted custom analytical routines from Paradox PAL to Access Basic Created state-of-the-art reporting engine Designed more than fifty graphical report pages Multi-user, multi-site architecture.

Devised system for direct data import from client’s custodial bank reducing labor costs associated with data input and improving accuracy

Commission Tracking System Ensures accurate accounting and SEC guideline compliance for the firm’s introducing brokerage business.

Provides essential financial planning information to senior management. Created custom interfaces to floor broker’s accounting systems

Developed reports both for internal distribution and for SEC auditors Custodial Auditing System Compares investment data from client’s custodial bank with impartial market data in order to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of income and credits. Designed custom data input interfaces to custodial bank accounting

systems. Developed report for delivery to client Investment Manager Database Internet database product which allows Managers to enter their own data through secure web pages and produces Manager Search and Research reports. Implemented Frame Relay Internet hosting architecture Designed web with full database interactivity

Developed web-based reporting engine and administrative modules Engineered LAN and WAN system architecture to accommodate company’s growing needs

Designed and installed Fast Ethernet LANs utilizing Windows NT, Windows 95 Provided Wide Area Network and secure Internet access utilizing Frame Relay, ISDN, and dialup remote access Implemented interoffice and Internet email system Created corporate Internet presence on World Wide Web Designed, assembled and installed all workstations, data servers and peripherals

Plexus Group, Santa Monica
Associate, January 1991 - September 1994

Designed and developed financial applications using Microsoft Access, Borland C, Microsoft Basic, Btrieve International trading monitor product(Access,C,Basic)Brokerage diagnostic product (Access, C, Basic) International closing price database (Btrieve, C) 10-minute slice pricing database (Btrieve, C) Intricate data conversion applications (Access, C, Basic)Administered Novel Network (v4.01, 3.11 - 4 Servers / 25 Workstations, 6GB Storage) Managed and directed staff of three programmers Researched, recommended and purchased hardware and software to meet company demands

Computer Consultanting, West Hills
Owner of Computer Consulting Firm, October 1987 – February 1998

Computer consulting firm providing integration, design, networking, communications, custom software and database design.

Anne Hyde Company, Inc., Glendale
April 1990 - January 1991

Managed entire data processing facility for statewide political fundraising firm. Responsible for: maintaining PC database network, Smartware II programming,

hardware and software recommendation and acquisition.

Wilshire Associates, Inc., Santa Monica
Analyst, June 1988 - April 1990

Created custom financial applications for the PC. Designed a new proprietary communications package, assisted with programming and initial design for a Pension

Simulation application and a Pension Consultant’s Workstation, assisted with programming assignments for many other products.

Skills

Expert knowledge of Visual Basic, C, and Pascal programming languages.

Experienced web design using HTML, ASP, InterDev and FrontPage.

Proficient with SQL Server 6.0/7.0, Microsoft Access.

Expert with installation and administration of Windows 95/98 and Windows NT/2000 networks and all BackOffice products.

Proficient with 3Com routers and networking equipment.

Extensive PC hardware experience. Twelve years of experience with

telecommunications including WAN connectivity, ISDN, ADSL, and remote access.

Education

University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. History, Magna Cum Laude with honors

Completion of course in Computer Forensics from Key Computer Services Inc., March 2002.

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), IACIS the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (www.cops.org), June 2002.

Certified Computer Forensic Technician (CCFT), Advanced Certification, High Tech Crime Network (www.htcn.org), June 2002.

Completing coursework towards Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MSCE) designation.

Member IEEE.

Member High Tech Crime Network (www.htcn.org).

Member Forensic Consultants Association, Los Angeles Chapter.