Financial Litigation Investigation – Fraudulent Transaction Research
Situation
An attorney representing a multinational bank and financial services company contacted Locke & Steele for investigative support in a consumer financial litigation matter. The case involved allegations related to financial transactions, and the attorney required detailed investigative research to evaluate the credibility of the opposing parties ahead of an upcoming evidentiary hearing.
Investigation
Locke & Steele investigators conducted comprehensive investigative research into the opposing parties, including background intelligence, public records analysis, and a review of financial transaction patterns relevant to the dispute. Our team identified inconsistencies in the claims and uncovered information suggesting potential fraudulent activity connected to the transactions at issue.
The findings were compiled into a clear, organized investigative report designed to support litigation strategy and evidentiary review.
Result
Prior to the scheduled evidentiary hearing, the attorney presented the investigative findings to opposing counsel. After reviewing the evidence, the opposing party immediately withdrew their claims, resulting in the dismissal of the case.
Services Used
Litigation Support • Investigative Research • Financial Background Investigation • Public Records Analysis
Long-Lost Paternity Question – Historical Locate Investigation
Situation
A client contacted Locke & Steele seeking answers to a deeply personal question that had remained unresolved for more than 50 years. Shortly after graduating high school, he believed he may have fathered a child. Now in his 70s, he wanted to finally determine the truth and gain peace of mind. The information available was limited and decades old, making the investigation particularly challenging.
Investigation
Locke & Steele investigators conducted a historical locate investigation using archival records, public databases, and investigative research techniques designed to trace individuals across long time spans. Despite the age of the information and the limited details available, investigators successfully identified and located the woman involved.
After careful and professional outreach, she confirmed that the child born around that time was not the client’s.
Result
The investigation provided the client with the definitive answer he had been seeking for decades. With the uncertainty resolved, he was able to move forward with peace of mind knowing the truth.
Services Used
Locate Investigation • Skip Tracing • Historical Records Research • Private Investigation Services
Heir Search Investigation – Municipal Property Matter
Situation
An attorney representing a municipality contacted Locke & Steele to assist in identifying the rightful heirs to a property that had last been sold in the 1940s. The ownership records were outdated and the individuals originally associated with the property were long deceased. With only limited information available about the owner of record, the attorney required a comprehensive heir search to determine the current lawful heirs connected to the property.
Investigation
Locke & Steele investigators conducted extensive genealogical and public records research to reconstruct the family lineage connected to the original property owner. Using historical records, vital statistics, and investigative databases, our team traced multiple generations of descendants and verified family relationships across decades.
Through this process, investigators successfully rebuilt the family tree and identified the living heirs connected to the property, compiling verified contact information for each individual.
Result
The completed investigation provided the attorney and municipality with a clear record of the rightful heirs and their contact information, allowing the legal process regarding the property to move forward.
Services Used
Heir Search Investigation • Genealogical Research • Public Records Investigation • Locate Services
Locate & Service Investigation – Parental Custody Order
Situation
An out-of-state attorney contacted Locke & Steele for assistance locating and serving an individual who had fled their jurisdiction with a child in violation of a court custody order. The subject’s whereabouts were unknown, and the attorney required professional investigative assistance to locate the individual and complete service so the court could address the matter and ensure the child’s safe return.
Investigation
Locke & Steele investigators conducted a comprehensive locate investigation using a combination of investigative research techniques. This included in-depth social media analysis, public records research, database searches, and interviews with individuals connected to the subject. Investigators also conducted discreet surveillance once potential locations were identified to confirm the subject’s presence.
Through coordinated investigative work and field verification, our team successfully located the individual and arranged for proper service of legal documents.
Result
Service was completed and the attorney was able to proceed with the legal process to enforce the court order. The investigation ultimately helped facilitate the child’s return to the custodial parent.
Services Used
Locate Investigation • Skip Tracing • Surveillance • Process Service • Litigation Support
Urgent Locate Investigation – Time-Sensitive Legal Filing
Situation
An attorney contacted Locke & Steele after losing contact with a client who had recently moved and changed their phone number without notifying counsel. The attorney faced a strict legal deadline and needed to reach the client within 48 hours to complete a required court filing. With time running out, the attorney required immediate investigative assistance to locate the client and reestablish communication.
Investigation
Locke & Steele investigators initiated an expedited locate investigation using a combination of database research, phone outreach, and field verification. Investigators reviewed public records and proprietary databases to identify potential updated addresses and contact information.
Once likely locations were identified, investigators conducted targeted phone calls and door-to-door inquiries to confirm the client’s whereabouts and establish direct contact.
Result
Within four hours of being retained, Locke & Steele successfully located the client and facilitated communication with the attorney. The attorney was able to speak directly with their client and proceed with the necessary filing before the court deadline.
Services Used
Locate Investigation • Skip Tracing • Database Research • Field Investigation • Litigation Support
Workers’ Compensation Surveillance – Undisclosed Physical Activity
Situation
An insurance carrier retained Locke & Steele to investigate a workers’ compensation claim involving an individual who reported significant physical limitations due to a workplace injury. Despite the reported restrictions, there were concerns that the claimant may have been engaging in physical activities inconsistent with the claimed disability. The client requested professional surveillance to document the claimant’s daily activity and determine whether the reported limitations were accurate.
Investigation
Locke & Steele investigators conducted multi-day surveillance focused on the claimant’s residence and known travel patterns. Investigators utilized discreet mobile surveillance techniques to monitor the subject while maintaining a low profile and avoiding detection.
During the surveillance operation, investigators documented the claimant performing activities that appeared inconsistent with the reported injury limitations. High-definition video and photographic evidence captured the subject lifting heavy items, performing physically demanding tasks, and traveling to locations where additional activity was observed.
Detailed field notes and time-stamped video documentation were compiled into a comprehensive investigative report.
Result
The surveillance produced clear visual evidence demonstrating physical activity inconsistent with the claimant’s reported restrictions. Using the investigative report, video documentation and investigator testimony, the Workers’ Comp Board found the claimant committed fraud. The case was then referred to the District Attorney for prosecution.
Services Used
Workers’ Compensation Surveillance • Insurance Fraud Investigation • Mobile Surveillance • Video Documentation • Litigation Support
Contact Locke & Steele
If you are facing a complex legal, personal, or financial matter, Locke & Steele provides discreet, professional investigative support backed by real-world results.
Our team works with attorneys, businesses, and individuals to uncover facts, develop evidence, and deliver clear, reliable findings that support confident decision-making.
Contact Locke & Steele today to discuss your investigation.