Winchester Virginia Investigator Blog

AIP-Phone

Company blog



Santa sighting update


Leo-and-Santa

December 2023

I stopped by Richards food market in Winchester recently to pick up my end of season half bushel of apples to get me through the beginning of winter. While there, I got Leo my dutch shepherd out of the vehicle to stretch his legs and take care of business. He immediately sighted a bevy of deer, and --as is sometimes his predatory nature-- he pursued them aggressively. As he got near to them, they immediately took flight. It was then I realized they were reindeer. Santa came out of the market where he had been wine tasting, and was initially understandably upset about the whole bedraggled affair. After a brief conversation, he was quick to forgive my high-strung canine's offense. Apparently, one of Santa's sometimes cover stories is that of a retired uniformed Secret Service guard named "Jim". I shared with him my past experience as an 1811 investigator on a Marshal's fugitive task force. It all ended well, with Santa promising to bring Leo a new chew-impervious tug toy for Christmas. We will see if he delivers.

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) added to AIP


Leo-and-Santa

December 2023

AIP has recently added an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to provide a fly-over capability to our investigations. Not all tools are appropriate for all cases, but the UAV enables AIP to remain on the cutting edge.


Revision of security related book


GSG-Book

June 2022

AIP CEO Darren Weber has released a new new revision of his book on Amazon. The revison includes an updated cover and updates throughout. Tactics, survival techniques, and group organization are explained with illustrations, providing a unique survival vision. Check out Group Survival Guide .


Release of new security related book


GSG-Book

July 2021

AIP CEO Darren Weber has released a new book on Amazon. The book covers tactics, survival tecniques, and survival group organization. Check out Group Survival Guide .


AIP assisted DC Attorney in high profile case


JusticeScale

January 2019

AIP has recently completed detailed recorded interviews related to a high profile DC area murder case, uncovering previously unknown critical facts and details. This has been an international case involving the interview of residents in different U.S. states and different countries. Uncovering real facts and evidence will assist the deciding court in making better decisions.


Utilizing GPS units during Investigations


September, 2018

New video, Utilizing GPS units for investigative impact.


Individual Extraction Techniques


July, 2018

Good video demonstrating individual extraction techniques.


Virginia Stalking Statute


July 2018

Most, if not all states, have a stalking statute. As one might expect, Virginia's statute has an exemption for private investigators. This is another good reason to hire a professional -- to prevent a situation where you may be in violation of the law. The Virginia statute is posted below.

§ 18.2-60.3. Stalking; penalty.
A. Any person, except a law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101, and acting in the performance of his official duties, and a registered private investigator, as defined in § 9.1-138, who is regulated in accordance with § 9.1-139 and acting in the course of his legitimate business, who on more than one occasion engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or when he knows or reasonably should know that the conduct places that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person's family or household member is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the person contacts or follows or attempts to contact or follow the person at whom the conduct is directed after being given actual notice that the person does not want to be contacted or followed, such actions shall be prima facie evidence that the person intended to place that other person, or reasonably should have known that the other person was placed, in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to himself or a family or household member.
B. Any person who is convicted of a second offense of subsection A occurring within five years of a prior conviction of such an offense under this section or for a substantially similar offense under the law of any other jurisdiction is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
C. A person may be convicted under this section irrespective of the jurisdiction or jurisdictions within the Commonwealth wherein the conduct described in subsection A occurred, if the person engaged in that conduct on at least one occasion in the jurisdiction where the person is tried. Evidence of any such conduct that occurred outside the Commonwealth may be admissible, if relevant, in any prosecution under this section provided that the prosecution is based upon conduct occurring within the Commonwealth.
D. Upon finding a person guilty under this section, the court shall, in addition to the sentence imposed, issue an order prohibiting contact between the defendant and the victim or the victim's family or household member.
E. The Department of Corrections, sheriff or regional jail director shall give notice prior to the release from a state correctional facility or a local or regional jail of any person incarcerated upon conviction of a violation of this section, to any victim of the offense who, in writing, requests notice, or to any person designated in writing by the victim. The notice shall be given at least 15 days prior to release of a person sentenced to a term of incarceration of more than 30 days or, if the person was sentenced to a term of incarceration of at least 48 hours but no more than 30 days, 24 hours prior to release. If the person escapes, notice shall be given as soon as practicable following the escape. The victim shall keep the Department of Corrections, sheriff or regional jail director informed of the current mailing address and telephone number of the person named in the writing submitted to receive notice.
All information relating to any person who receives or may receive notice under this subsection shall remain confidential and shall not be made available to the person convicted of violating this section.
For purposes of this subsection, "release" includes a release of the offender from a state correctional facility or a local or regional jail (i) upon completion of his term of incarceration or (ii) on probation or parole.
No civil liability shall attach to the Department of Corrections nor to any sheriff or regional jail director or their deputies or employees for a failure to comply with the requirements of this subsection.
F. For purposes of this section: "Family or household member" has the same meaning as provided in § 16.1-228. 1992, c. 888; 1994, cc. 360, 521, 739; 1995, c. 824; 1996, cc. 540, 866; 1998, c. 570; 2001, c. 197; 2002, c. 377; 2013, c. 759; 2016, cc. 545, 696, 745. The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.


AIP Review


June, 2018

Client review of AIP services.


AIP utilizing a GoPro* camera mount


PIAVALogo

May 2017

A GoPro* camera mount is now available for surveillance operations to support other methods of photographing and obtaining video evidence. The GoPro* camera adds another facet of observation and documentation. The GoPro* can be set to record video or Time lapse evidence on an automated basis. The consistent adding of new and advanced equipment continues to add capability for our clients. *GoPro is a trademark of GoPro Inc. and has no affiliation with AIP


AIP has obtained a new, 600mm Zoom lens


PIAVALogo

April 2017

A Tameron high quality 150 - 600 mm zoom lens is the latest addition to our list of investigative equipment. So much of what we do involves surveillance, and often involves obtaining images or video evidence. This new lens has auto-focus and auto-stabilization, and adds additional long range capability to our growing list of high end equipment.


AIP is now a member of PIAVA


PIAVALogo

November 2016

AIP has joined the Private Investigators Association of Virgina. PIAVA is one of Virginia's commonly sited private security organizations. As part of the vetting process, AIP provided detailed background information, and three references were interviewed. AIP will associate with PIAVA, networking information and work opportunities.


Conducted covert computer surveillance


SpyVrsSpy

November 2016

Executed a complex computer surveillance, setting up the target system to capture emails, websites visited, critical screen-shots, and keystrokes. All this was done to monitor an employee with a history of fraudulent activity in the workplace. As a result of the operation was able to obtain critical information to assist the employer in the decision making process.


Wearable concealed video equipment


SecretGlasses

July 2016

Always adding cutting edge capability! Concealable body gear is just another way to get the pictures or video needed to assist our clients with hard evidence. As technology advances, we will always be scouring the Internet, investing in and testing new equipment to maintain our status as the most capable investigative firm around.


DOJ Report on Ferguson Michael Brown shooting


Click here for the DOJ report of the Michael Brown Shooting.

March 2016

This is a copy of the DOJ report taken directly from the DOJ Website. AIP is not in the practice of expressing opinions, but in reporting facts and evidence. The Federal Investigation found insufficient cause to indict officer Darren Wilson.


New Promotional Video Added


February, 2016

AIP Investigations has added a new promotional video, "Experience gets results".


Virginia GPS Law


January 2016

The legality of utilizing GPS devices varies from state to state, with some states still silent on the issue. About 2 years ago, Virginia passed a law disallowing the use of GPS devices, with certain exceptions, and Private Investigators are one of the exempt parties. This tool, along with hidden cameras and other technologically advanced equipment, allows AIP to provide quality results. The Virginia statute is posted below.

§ 18.2-60.5. Unauthorized use of electronic tracking device; penalty.
A. Any person who installs or places an electronic tracking device through intentionally deceptive means and without consent, or causes an electronic tracking device to be installed or placed through intentionally deceptive means and without consent, and uses such device to track the location of any person is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the installation, placement, or use of an electronic tracking device by:
1. A law-enforcement officer, judicial officer, probation or parole officer, or employee of the Department of Corrections when any such person is engaged in the lawful performance of official duties and in accordance with other state or federal law;
2. The parent or legal guardian of a minor when tracking (i) the minor or (ii) any person authorized by the parent or legal guardian as a caretaker of the minor at any time when the minor is under the person's sole care;
3. A legally authorized representative of an incapacitated adult, as defined in § 18.2-369; 4. The owner of fleet vehicles, when tracking such vehicles;
5. An electronic communications provider to the extent that such installation, placement, or use is disclosed in the provider's terms of use, privacy policy, or similar document made available to the customer; or
6. A registered private investigator, as defined in § 9.1-138, who is regulated in accordance with § 9.1-139 and is acting in the normal course of his business and with the consent of the owner of the property upon which the electronic tracking device is installed and placed. However, such exception shall not apply if the private investigator is working on behalf of a client who is subject to a protective order under § 16.1-253, 16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4, 16.1-279.1, 19.2-152.8, 19.2-152.9, 19.2-152.10, or subsection B of § 20-103, or if the private investigator knows or should reasonably know that the client seeks the private investigator's services to aid in the commission of a crime.
C. For the purposes of this section: "Electronic tracking device" means an electronic or mechanical device that permits a person to remotely determine or track the position and movement of another person. "Fleet vehicle" means (i) one or more motor vehicles owned by a single entity and operated by employees or agents of the entity for business or government purposes, (ii) motor vehicles held for lease or rental to the general public, or (iii) motor vehicles held for sale by motor vehicle dealers.


Beware of fake charity phone calls


HandOut

October 15th, 2015

AIP is continually bombarded by what we term “fake charities”. We are located in the state of Virginia, and these solicitation calls to our business number have been numerous over the last three years. The first question we ask is “What percentage do you give to your cause”. Unanimously they all claim, after a rant about their expenses, “We are proud to give 12 percent”, of which our response is typically, “12 percent is shameful, take me off of your list”. After more than an estimated 50 calls in the last few years, we have never been solicited by phone by an organization worth giving to. Oh, they all claim to be “calling on behalf” of a noble cause: breast cancer, homeless veterans or disabled police officers, but don't be sucked in. Charitynavigator.org, a good online resource, provides a list of the 10 Charities Overpaying their For-Profit Fund-raisers .


Searched Ashley Madison data for executive concerned about possible blackmail


ProcessService

September 16th, 2015

Conducted a data investigation of all the Ashley Madison information to assure a professional executive that damaging information was not found within. Several critical keyword searches were conducted to assure the executive he was not at risk of being blackmailed. While AIP has access to all of the hacked information, we are not able to provide the complete information to anyone. We can check all of the information for any keywords or phases of concern, and can inform a client which lines in pertinent files may be associated to him/her. Call us with any questions you may have.


Assisted State Police in apprehension of Felony Hit and Run suspect


July 28th, 2015

After being retained by the grieving mother of a 15 year old, AIP assisted the Virginia State Police in firming up schedules and locations of the 31 year old suspect, James Mcgoff. This assisted in his subsequent apprehension. According to filed documents Mcgoff, after hitting the victim, left the scene of the accident and did not attempt to render assistance, later telling authorities he thought he hit a deer. Mcgoff also admitted to making repairs to his damaged vehicle the same day. See more about this story: here





Executed a difficult personal service


ProcessService

July 27th, 2015

In the assistance of an out of state client in a child custody case where young children were going to be exposed to a convicted child molester and car thief, and with the help of confidential informants, was successful in finding and putting key court documents in the hands of the ex-wife. Despite her attempt to avoid impeding service, we were able to get Personal Service, which is the most legally binding, accomplished. Thanks to client and other parties who provided key information in this important case, helping to keep innocents safe.





Assisting in a variety of cases


June 17th, 2015

Continuing to get valuable evidence for a variety of clients, AIP recently concluded another infidelity case, obtaining solid evidence amounting to five illicit late night visits. The evidence was documented in a professional report worthy of presentation in any courtroom, and provided to the client's attorney. Additionally, AIP is currently involved in assisting an international insurance company in recovering assets related to defrauding valued in the millions. AIP crosses the spectrum of clients and cases.





New, high resolution camera

CanonCamera

March 18th, 2015

AIP -- in it's continued quest to serve it's clients -- has acquired an even higher level, professional camera system. This new Canon camera has an incredible resolution of over 22 MegaPixels, and an extreme iso setting of 102,800 for low light images. This allows us to obtain critical evidence for our clients in the extreme photographic situations we find ourselves operating, where we are often required to take night images while hand shooting without a flash. We continue to invest in the equipment needed to obtain the critical evidence.





We continue to improve and expand our mobile friendly site
March 7th, 2015

Continued expansion is in progress of this site to make it more informative and helpful in understanding AIP and the services we offer. Also, be sure to look at the "Useful Free Links" section on the Contact page for powerful investigative resources.