A nationwide network of expert associates servicing the needs of the legal community in the area of financial investigations. Art Mitchell, principal, has a earned a record of success based on over 30 years of experience in complex financial and business investigations including 22 years as a Special Agent for the IRS. Our methods ensure:

• Collection of reliable and legally defendable information
• Maximizing the client’s ability to assess the extent of losses
• Attempt to recover lost assets or documents
• Contain and prevent further financial impacts to the company

LITIGATION INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT FOR CASES INVOLVING:
Tax Fraud Bank Fraud Insurance Fraud
Securities Fraud Embezzlement

BROAD RANGE OF CIVIL AND CORPORATE SERVICES FOR:
Attorneys Financial Institutions Corporate Intelligence
Internal Investigation Background Investigation Financial Training
Due Diligence Analysis Research

EXPERTS IN FORENSIC ACCOUNTING FOR CIVIL/CRIMINAL CASES INVOLVING:
White Collar Crime Money Laundering Financial Fraud

SKILLED EXPERT TESTIMONY:
Forensic Accounting Financial Analysis

The need for discretion in these inquiries is paramount. Premature disclosure or inexpert investigations can significantly compromise the integrity of the investigation and alert offenders. Our investigative procedures ensure confidentiality and utmost discretion in all contacts with the public.

The needs of the business and legal community regarding the pursuit of financial investigations is varied and complex. We have been highly successful in taking on very complex as well as simple cases involving a broad range of litigated issues. Here is a closer look at some of the major areas we have excelled in.

Misappropriations of Corporate Assets:

The loss of assets or earnings through theft, embezzlement, fraud and other illegal means is a growing problem for business. Our combined expertise in forensic accounting and undercover investigations have been valuable in skillfully detecting these problems and providing timely information to management.

Theft of Trade Secrets:

In today’s high tech world, information equals money. A company may suspect that its proprietary information is being compromised. Mitchell and Associates has the experience and staff to assess the existence and /or extent of the situation and provide options for effective counter measures to stop the problem.

Insider Trading:

There may be suspect of insider trading impacting transactions. Locating and prosecuting such activities involves highly complex investigations involving multiple tiers of the corporate structure and in depth knowledge of information management systems. We have been highly successful in assisting law firms in preparing such cases.

Due Diligence Analysis:

Analyzing a company’s background for "due diligence" analysis in respect to underwriting financial transactions. Failure to conduct an analysis can subject the lender to increased liability. Often times information regarding the company is limited. Mitchell & Associates has the resources to prepare extensive background checks on individuals and companies including reputations, records of litigation, liens, judgements and other financial issues impacting financial risk.

Financial Risk Analysis:

The same research tools used in due diligence investigations are used in a more general context to evaluate pending business relationships or transactions. We can perform a comprehensive analyses of factors ranging from basic credit information to detailed background checks involving multiple locations and overseas information.

Corporate Financial Crimes:

A large number of illicit or illegal activities beyond what has already been outlined can impact a company’s integrity. We have highly tailored services designed to meet the specific needs of the client.

Miscellaneous Legal Services:

Mitchell and Associates provides a flexible range of services to the legal community involving tailored services to meet highly specific case requirements.

• Investigating the merits of claims and allegations material to a case
• Determining the assets of a defendant to gauge likelihood of recovering judgements
• Locating and interviewing witnesses. Preparing information on witnesses and parties to actions.
• Developing pre-deposition facts to ensure productive discovery
• If needed, pre-qualified expert witness testimony in state and federal courts
• Computer forensics
• Two qualified pilots with available aircraft who can expedite transportation of attorneys to anywhere in Oregon with within ninety minutes in any weather. This service can facilitate requirements of a busy schedule and meet critical timelines.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Civilian

MITCHELL & ASSOC.-Portland, Oregon

Executive Director 1993-present

Conducted investigations regarding a broad range of fiscal and criminal issues. Provided expert testimony. Wide range of clientele including local attorneys and corporations.

STATE OF OREGON: Emergency Medical Services

Chief Investigator (part time) 1989-1994

Developed program and procedures to monitor, regulate and investigate allegations of misconduct among 8,000 paramedics in the state.

OREGON STATE DEPT. OF JUSTICE: Charitable Activities Section

Supervising Investigator 1987-1989

Focused on regulation, investigation, auditing, and licensing of all charitable fund raising activity within the State of Oregon

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

Senior Special Agent-Criminal Investigator 1966-1988

Investigation of the most complex civil/criminal tax cases involving in depth record analysis, auditing, research, of records, compliance regulation analysis, interviewing witnesses, and preparation of legal documents for prosecution in U.S. District Courts. Involved frequent contact with top level executives and business owners.

Special Agent In Charge
Financial Crimes Investigative Task Force 1984-1988

Assigned to the U.S. Attorneys office. Coordinated the efforts of multiple investigative agencies responsible for investigations of highly complex financial crimes.

UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

Rank at discharge; Captain 1961-1986

Assignments included: Commanding officer of two Naval Reserve Units. Staff Logistic & Intelligence Analyst for Commander in chief, Pacific.

Bachelor of Arts Degree-University of Washington

Other

Consistently attended numerous professional development courses and seminars providing continuous updating of current technologies and issues

I.R.S.- Recipient of numerous awards for outstanding service and accomplishments in resolving difficult cases throughout career history.

State of Oregon-Distinguished Service Award

U.S. Navy-Several Unit/Individual Commendations during career

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING EXPERTISE

• Over 30 years experience in investigations involving tax evasion, money laundering, fraud and complex civil and criminal litigation.
• Exceptionally broad knowledge of accounting principles. Well developed ability to discover problems areas and opportunities for fraud. Skilled in reconstruction of accounting records and tracking of suspected fraudulent activities.
• Experienced working with an exceptionally broad range of business operations:

INVESTIGATION SUPERVISION

• Coordinated/identified/directed investigations into major financial civil litigation and criminal activities. Responsible for formulating creative strategies/tactics to ensure success and integrity of the investigations
• Directed the activities of investigation teams to best maximize staff talent and meet objectives of the case. Worked closely with other entities with vested interests
• Successful in creatively locating witnesses and relevant document for admissible testimony and building case documentation

EXPERT TESTIMONY

• Prepared in depth and legally defensible reports of findings.
• Well seasoned witness. Extensive experience on the witness stand.  Relied upon by counsel to provide focused and relevant relating to contested issues

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

• Well developed net work of relationships throughout most governmental and private organizations related to financial investigation both domestically and abroad.
• Comprehensive knowledge of bureaucratic systems through extensive professional experience in executive roles in state, federal and military organizations. Adept in expediting information and procedures to ensure timely results.