FRAUD FBI
After an almost 35-year career with the FBI, in May 2004, JAMES J. WEDICK was licensed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services [BSIS] as a Private Investigator [License #24057], doing business as WEDICK & ASSOCIATES, Gold River, California. Accordingly, when requested he can collect evidence, locate and interview witnesses, serve legal process, and conduct investigations. Because of his FBI background, he has an expertise working White Collar Crime [WCC] and conducting fraud investigations.
Fraud can be defined as the act of obtaining money, property, and/or some other benefit using deliberate deception. And depending upon the circumstances surrounding the deception—to include the dollar amount of the fraud—individuals can be criminally prosecuted and, if convicted, sentenced to prison.
In deciding whether someone can be prosecuted for defrauding someone, investigators must decide whether fraudulent intent can be established since the act of fraud involves deliberate deception. While authorities might be able to charge someone with a crime because the standard of proof is only probable cause, in order to convict someone prosecutors must prove fraudulent intent beyond a reasonable doubt which is considerably more difficult. Also, because fraud victims sometimes make excuses for a suspect and/or a defendant—hopeful to get their money returned—sometimes authorities must decide against prosecution because of the victim’s ever changing statements.
Since proving criminal intent can be a difficult task, some victims seek relief filing a civil lawsuit where the standard of proof is considerably less stringent. In securing a civil verdict, fraud victims need only establish proof by a preponderance of the evidence—meaning sufficient evidence exists their claims are true versus not—which, again, is considerably less difficult than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Because he has successfully investigated fraud, corruption, and white collar crime for many years with the FBI, Mr. WEDICK can be extremely helpful collecting evidence, locating and interviewing witnesses, and conducting investigations. In the event you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to make contact with him either at his office or sending a brief email summarizing your case requesting assistance.
