Bobby Fortiz
Green Valley,United States
Summary
With over 29 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Bobby built his career on a foundation of leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Beginning in the corrections field, 13 years were spent honing skills and expertise, including 11 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Following this, 16 years of impactful service with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service further solidified a reputation for excellence in safeguarding communities and natural resources. Proven ability to navigate complex challenges while fostering collaboration among diverse teams underscores a strong commitment to enhancing public safety initiatives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Agent
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Office of Law Enforcement
08.2021 - 07.2025
- I served as a Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Office of Law Enforcement (USFWS/OLE) assigned to the Rio Rico, Arizona Field Office.
- I was responsible for a full range of investigative functions on assigned cases, from planning through fact-finding to reporting the results of investigations.
- I planned and conducted surveillance of suspects.
- I performed undercover work, secured, and executed arrest/search warrants.
- I performed a wide range of law enforcement activities, including interviewing witnesses, interrogating suspects, making arrests, developing evidence for presentation, testifying in court, and preparing detailed reports.
- I promoted compliance with fish and wildlife laws and regulations through education and other outreach activities.
- I built partnerships with Federal, State, and local enforcement authorities, along with private industry to obtained, secured, and exchanged information and testimony and to identify and resolve emerging and systemic issues.
- I have proven myself to be a valuable member of the Arizona/New Mexico District by demonstrating exceptional teamwork and working collaboratively with other USFWS/OLE personnel, Federal, State, and Tribal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and conservation groups.
- Some examples of this collaborative work include, but are not limited to, establishing the Arizona Land Management Working Group.
- I established this group to discuss ongoing issues and coordinate efforts among federal partners to promote strong working relationships.
- I have worked diligently on numerous high priority, complex investigations.
- This has included an investigation involving the unlawful trafficking of live tigers.
- I was able to infiltrate a criminal network, finding sufficient evidence which the Regional Solicitor's Office agreed and issued a Notice of Violation to the subject in the amount of approximately $48,000.
- I have initiated and maintained a high number of investigations, a majority of which are ranked within the USFWS/OLE's 'high' or 'medium' priority categories.
- I have presented testimony before Grand Jury obtaining a true bill which indicted two subjects for violations of the Lacey Act.
- I have coordinated the operation of residential search warrants with assistance from the Homeland Security Investigations, Phoenix Police Department, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and BLM executing two residential search warrants and two arrest warrants in Phoenix, AZ.
- Based on evidence obtained, the subject pled guilty to a felony count of Conspiracy to Violate the Lacey Act for the unlawful transportation of monkeys within the state of Arizona, and from Arizona to California for commercial purposes.
- The subject was sentenced to 18 months of incarceration, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered for removal from the U.S.
- I managed the California Condor Program in Arizona and work closely with Peregrine Fund and other partners to expedite condor mortality investigations.
- On March 4, 2024, I cited a subject for take of a migratory bird without proper authorization, to wit one (1) California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) in violation of the laws and regulations of the United States, specifically Title 16, United States Code, Section 703(a).
- On June 11, 2024, the court accepted the subject's guilty plea and sentenced the subject to be banned from recreational activities (including but not limited to hunting, camping, hiking, and fishing) in the Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and pay restitution in the amount of $4,000 to the USFWS.
- I have provided reward money to informants for information received which involved a subject who illegal killed a migratory bird in Phoenix, Arizona.
- In maintaining such a high caseload, I'm always mindful of report deadlines and ensure that I complete all my reports in a timely manner.
- I have also presented investigations to the U.S. Attorney's Office/District of Arizona, which have resulted in successful prosecutions.
- I have also assisted the Arizona/New Mexico RAC District in providing presentations for various trainings, including but not limited to, Native American liaison trainings.
- I was nominated and traveled to Hua Hin, Thailand to function as a team member for the International Law Enforcement Association's Wildlife Trafficking Investigators Program.
- The ILEA team provided training to delegates from nine Asian countries.
- I also serve a USFWS Use of Force Instructor, Fitness Coordinator, Tactical Medical Instructor, Peer Support Member, and Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor.
- I have received numerous time off and cash awards as a Special Agent for my efforts.
Conservation Law Enforcement Officer
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Office of Law Enforcement
11.2017 - 08.2021
- As a Conservation Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO), I served as a fully Commissioned Federal Law Enforcement Officer, performing law enforcement patrol duties and wildlife investigations.
- As a CLEO, I coordinated with state law enforcement agencies, including county and local patrol units.
- I worked closely with federal prosecutors to pursue violations of the Endangered Species Act, the Lacey Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other federal wildlife laws enforced by the Office of Law Enforcement.
- My primary focus was on the enforcement of violations related to the Mexican gray wolf.
- As a CLEO I protected lives and resources by patrol, apprehension, detection and investigation of natural wildlife resource violations in support of the Department of Interior's mission.
- I educated the public on the laws and regulations to help deter and prevent violations from occurring.
- I provided educational outreach to students and the general public regarding the Endangered Species Act and wolf identification.
- As a CLEO, I investigated crime scenes and collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, interviewed suspects, and pursued leads.
- I have searched records through dispatch and Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS) and compiled the information for presentation to federal prosecutors.
- As a CLEO, I have assisted Special Agents during operations such as search warrants and surveillance of illicit behavior relating to wildlife crimes.
- I have conducted multi-agency decoy operations to deter the unauthorized take of the Mexican gray wolves.
- I have assisted the Mexican wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) with the cross fostering of wolf puppies, yearly wolf counts, wolf captures and wolf releases into the wild.
- On May 21, 2019, I presented a reporting party with a reward payment.
- The reporting party voluntarily provided detailed information to both the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Office of Law Enforcement regarding the unlawful take of an endangered species, specifically, one (1) Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest during an active bull elk hunt in Arizona Game Management Unit 1.
- The information provided by the reporting party resulted in the identification of two subjects and the subjects subsequently made admissions to Service Agents of their involvement in the illegal killing of the endangered wolf.
- On November 15, 2018, one individual pleaded guilty to an Endangered Species Act, Class B misdemeanor for the unlawful take of a wild born, female Mexican gray wolf in December 2017.
- On February 19, 2019, I worked closely with the federal prosecutor to ensure that the second individual pleaded guilty to an accessory after the fact to a violation of Endangered Species Act, Class B misdemeanor for the unlawful take of a wild born, female Mexican gray wolf in December 2017.
- As a CLEO, I received a cash award and time off award for my great professionalism and support during the Native American Conservation Training.
- I provided instruction on Mexican gray wolf identification, case updates and assisted in defensive tactics training.
- I regularly instruct class sessions to volunteers and interns about the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program and explain the service's mission and law enforcement issues.
Federal Wildlife Officer
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/Refuge Law Enforcement
10.2009 - 10.2017
- I served as a Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer responsible for performing law enforcement duties including but not limited to: investigation, apprehension, arrest, detention, or prosecution of persons violating applicable laws, rules, and regulations enacted to protect and provide for the safe use of lands managed by the Department of Interior.
- I investigated the occurrence of criminal activities & conducted investigations.
- I developed, executed, and evaluated local law enforcement programs.
- On October 12, 2010, while in performance of my duties I was driving east bound on Arivaca Road, I encountered a fatal roll-over motor vehicle accident.
- The section of the road was on the downhill side of a curve on a winding road.
- The rolled vehicle was lying in the middle of the travel lane and was in risk of being struck by oncoming traffic.
- Without hesitation I put myself at great personal risk and climbed inside the flipped vehicle to rescue the occupants.
- Inside the vehicle I discovered an adult female struggling to get out and a young child trapped in a car seat.
- I was unable to unbuckle the seat belt from the child's seat and I had to physically cut the seat belt in order to get the child out of the vehicle and to safety.
- As a result of my quick thinking, the child was freed from the vehicle and medically evaluated then transported from the scene by helicopter.
- The child made a full recovery from those injuries.
- For my courageous action and taking personal risk in saving the lives of two people, I was granted the Valor Award from the Department of the Interior.
- On February 5, 2013, while on patrol exercising my duties as law enforcement officer for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service assigned to the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in Sasabe, Pima County, Arizona.
- I was walking in a wash near Robbins Mine where I had placed a game camera in the area.
- I continued my foot patrol through the area and as I was walking northbound in the wash I overheard and observed a group of Hispanic males headed towards my location.
- I waited for the group to approach my location then I identified myself as a Federal Wildlife Officer.
- I observed four individuals drop their packs and begin to run south bound from my location.
- I pursued the individuals until I located four large packs which were consistent with marijuana bundles at GPS Coordinates N3136.809 W11124.291.
- The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) was notified of the individuals running south bound.
- USBP Agents from the Horse Patrol Unit and air support (Raven) arrived in the area to assist in the search for the individuals.
- Upon arrival of responding staff to my location we systematically cleared the area.
- A total of 4 marijuana bundles and two backpacks that contained food and toiletry items were secured from the area.
- We hiked the packs out of the area to a secure location and waited the arrival of responding Agents.
- USBP Agents took custody of the 4 bundles with a total weight of 214.55 pounds of marijuana.
- The USBP was unable to interdict the individuals who fled the area.
- On November 12, 2011, I was notified of a mule deer (doe) that had been shot in Unit 36C.
- I reported to the area of Aros Wash Road on the boundary of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, where I met with Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) staff.
- AZGFD Manager briefed us on the report of how the doe was possibly shot on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.
- We then went to the location of the doe and tracked three different sets of shoe prints in the area leading up to the doe.
- The doe was found to be deceased at the following GPS coordinates, N 31 35.296 W 111 34.336, located on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.
- After locating the doe we checked an adjacent Camp Site located on State Trust land which had similar foot sign as those around the doe.
- I assisted the AZGFD with investigation and interviews.
- The individual admitted to shooting the doe and received notice of violations.
Special Investigative Supervisor
U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau Of Prisons
12.2007 - 09.2009
- As the Special Investigative Supervisor, I was responsible for the preparation of all investigative reports for incidents occurring in the institution.
- This included assaults on staff and inmates, fights, arson, gambling, bribery, sexual proposals to staff, organized criminal activities, Security Threat Group activities and violations of the Inmate Disciplinary Code and federal and local statutes.
- These reports were prepared for prosecution of inmates and staff for illegal activities they had committed while in the custody or employed by the Bureau of Prisons.
- My writing skills have been proven time and time again to be accurate, precise, clear and have led to countless cases resolved at FCC Tucson.
- I am highly experienced in taking written affidavits from inmates and staff.
- These affidavits were often referred to the Regional Office, Office of Internal Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office for review for prosecution.
- I acted as the institutions liaison with various outside law enforcement agencies to include local, state and federal agencies.
- In this position, I was responsible for referring cases for potential prosecution.
- I have used my ability to meet with, influence and deal with people on a number of occasions while assigned to the SIS Office.
- I have met with representatives of the local, state and federal law enforcement community and have explained the concerns of the institution.
- I was ultimately responsible for the identification, validation, and intelligence gathering of all security threat group and disruptive group inmates which may have been present in the population.
- With over 1,500 inmates in the general population, I played a key role in the continual identification of these inmates.
- I delegated some of these responsibilities to the SIS Technicians and a small hand-picked cadre of very reliable and experienced officers.
- An essential aspect of having the ability to delegate authority is maintaining consistency, continuity and promoting teamwork.
- The staff assigned to the SIS Office worked as a highly efficient and effective team.
- My influence in this area directly contributed to the ability of the members of the team to be highly productive.
- The manner in which I delegated specific SIS Office responsibilities to the SIS Technicians, Telephone Monitors assisted in making the SIS Office at FCC Tucson a formidable, efficient and well respected entity of the Correctional Services Department.
- I received a Special Act Award for working tirelessly to resolve a serious security concern stemming from an altercation that occurred involving Sureno/Mexican Mafia Gang members.
- I conducted numerous interviews, which revealed credible information as it related to ongoing struggles within the group.
- My solid Investigator skills and investigations increased the overall security of the facility.
Lieutenant
U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau Of Prisons
10.2006 - 12.2007
- As a Operations Lieutenant I was responsible for the security and orderly running of the institution and 800 assigned inmates.
- I was responsible for all emergency responses and the daily running of the institution on various shifts.
- I performed a full range of administrative activities involving the quarterly and daily assignment of correctional officers to various posts and assignments.
- I evaluated the performance of officers and made recommendations for promotions and incentive awards.
- I gave guidance and training to all staff in the institution.
- During evenings, after-duty hours and holidays I was the ranking and senior individual in the institution.
- I prepared and submitted written reports regarding incidents, investigation, audits and assisted in creating institutional policy.
- I conducted regular training sessions with my assigned staff and trained the entire staff compliment during annual refresher training.
- During emergencies, I was responsible for taking prompt action to control situations.
- I was the on-scene commander for any emergency during my shift.
- Throughout the period, I have been responsible for investigation incidents, incident reports, Administrative Remedies and Tort Claims.
- I supervised the gathering of evidence, the interview of inmates, staff and the initiation of case files.
- I conducted training during annual refresher training relating to correctional procedures and techniques.
Education
Associate's degree - Applied Science, Criminal Justice
Wayland Baptist University
Phoenix, AZ07.2021
Skills
- Proficient in Spanish communication
- Understanding of federal statutes
- Self-defense tactics
- Advanced driving techniques
- Surveillance technology
- Sensitive information handling
- Witness interviewing and information gathering
Accomplishments
Department of Interior Valor Award recipient.
Supervisor of the Quarter.
Correctional Officer of the Year.
Foreign Language Award receipient.
Job Related Training
- CJIS access renewal, 2025
- Social Media Investigations training, 2024
- USFWS/OLE Use of Force Instructor, 2023
- Law Enforcement Control Tactics Training Program, 2023
- Basic Tactical Medical Instructor Training Program, 2023
- Critical Incident Stress Management Team Training, Peer Support Member, 2022
- USFWS/OLE Special Agent Basic School (SABS #33), 2020
- The Reid Technique of Interview and Advanced Interrogation, 2019
- Cross Designation Training-BLM, NPS, USFS, 2019
- Department of Interior Investigator Training, 2018
- Wildlife Human Attack Response Training, 2018
- Law Enforcement Fitness Coordinator Training, 2017
- USFWS/RLE Refuge Officer Field training and evaluation program, 2011
- USFWS/RLE Land Management Police Training, 2010
- USFWS/RLE Refuge Officer Basic Training, 2010
- DWI detection/standardized field sobriety testing, 2010
- Wildland firefighter certification, 2010
Timeline
Special Agent
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Office of Law Enforcement
08.2021 - 07.2025
Conservation Law Enforcement Officer
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Office of Law Enforcement
11.2017 - 08.2021
Federal Wildlife Officer
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/Refuge Law Enforcement
10.2009 - 10.2017
Special Investigative Supervisor
U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau Of Prisons
12.2007 - 09.2009
Lieutenant
U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau Of Prisons
10.2006 - 12.2007
Associate's degree - Applied Science, Criminal Justice
Wayland Baptist University