David P. Burns
Glasgow,USA
Summary
Experienced Special Agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation specializing in accounting and financial investigations. Proven track record of conducting thorough investigations, interpreting laws, providing leadership, and mentoring others. Honored with national and district awards for outstanding performance, showcasing exceptional contributions in the field.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Salt Lake City Division
08.2011 - 06.2024
- Senior Resident Agent and Primary Relief Supervisor
- Led complex financial fraud, violent crimes and drug trafficking investigations.
- Applied in-depth understanding of forensic science to evaluate claims.
- Led high-stakes undercover operations, directly contributing to arrest of key figures in financial crimes.
- Collected crime scene evidence, examined bodies, and investigated secondary locations to build detailed cases based on sound evidence handling practices.
- Gathered facts from conducting interviews of suspects, witnesses, and victims.
- Consulted and cooperated with legal staff to verify timely and efficient investigation completion.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Conducted multi-scope research into suspects to determine criminal activities and suspect operating environments.
- Delivered expert testimony in court proceedings, presenting reliable evidence leading to successful prosecutions.
- Prepared reports, kept investigation records, and maintained all case-related paperwork.
- Employed strong interpersonal skills when liaising with various stakeholders including victims' families or witnesses; successfully built rapport that aided investigations and case resolutions.
- Conducted undercover assignments with professionalism, adapting quickly to dynamic environments while maintaining mission focus.
- Trained junior agents in specialized skills, fostering professional growth and increased work quality.
Supervisory Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI
10.2009 - 08.2011
- Facilitated communication between team members, ensuring that critical information was shared promptly and accurately throughout the investigative process.
- Trained new agents in investigative procedures and legal requirements.
- Updated department policies in accordance with evolving regulations, promoting compliance within the agency framework.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for agents to improve skill sets and promote professional development.
- Cultivated an environment where diverse perspectives were encouraged resulting in enhanced problem-solving abilities within the team.
- Upheld rigorous ethical standards within the agency by setting an example through my own conduct.
Supervisory Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
07.2007 - 10.2009
- Organized agents' activities to protect people and property.
- Directed security activities at investigation sites.
- Strengthened interagency collaborations, sharing critical intelligence with partner organizations to dismantle terrorist cells.
- Enhanced investigative techniques with integration of data analytics, leading to timely identification of crime patterns.
- Organized and led training sessions on counterintelligence strategies, increasing agency preparedness against espionage activities.
- Appeared in FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) court and testified under oath in national security cases.
- Supervised and motivated field investigators and collaborated with personnel to identify strengths and areas of weakness.
- Prepared comprehensive reports, ensuring accurate documentation of investigative findings and legal compliance.
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI
08.1998 - 07.2007
- Utilized advanced technology tools for efficient data collection and analysis during complex investigations.
- Actively participated in ongoing training programs, staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices for superior job performance.
- Coordinated with local law enforcement to address community-specific crime issues, fostering stronger local partnerships.
- Analyzed vast amounts of intelligence to identify potential threats, playing crucial role in preventing acts of terrorism.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Secured search warrants to investigate scenes of crimes and collect evidence.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Obtained and verified evidence by interviewing, observing, and conducting surveillance of suspects and records.
- Documented drug transactions to gather evidence and complete undercover investigations.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Strengthened interagency collaborations, sharing critical intelligence with partner organizations to dismantle terrorist cells.
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
06.1995 - 08.1998
- Led complex investigations of financial fraud.
- Routinely made presentations of complex investigations to the U.S. Attorney's Office resulting in successful resolutions.
- Coordinated with other agencies during multi-jurisdictional investigations.
- Managed sensitive informants with discretion, obtaining vital information while maintaining source confidentiality.
- Delivered expert testimony in court proceedings, presenting reliable evidence leading to successful prosecutions.
- Prepared reports, kept investigation records, and maintained all case-related paperwork.
- Partnered with international agencies to address cross-border crimes, ensuring a global approach to crime prevention efforts.
- Employed strong interpersonal skills when liaising with various stakeholders including victims'' families or witnesses; successfully built rapport that aided investigations and case resolutions.
- Facilitated inter-agency cooperation for efficient resource allocation and optimized investigative outcomes.
- Conducted undercover assignments with professionalism, adapting quickly to dynamic environments while maintaining mission focus.
- Developed intelligence networks, effectively gathering crucial information to support ongoing cases.
- Applied critical thinking skills to analyze complex scenarios, identifying patterns and connections pertinent to case objectives.
- Negotiated with hostage-takers to ensure safe release of captives, demonstrating exceptional crisis negotiation skills.
- Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions.
Cost Accountant
Cut Craft, Inc.
01.1991 - 01.1995
- Managed budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives.
- Prepared detailed financial reports and contributed to long-term fiscal planning.
- Identified cost-saving opportunities and implemented efficient processes.
Education
Bachelor of Business - Accounting
Texas Christian University (TCU)
01.1991
Skills
- Investigative techniques
- Interviewing and interrogation
- Financial forensic analysis
- Undercover operations
- Crime scene investigations
- Knowledge of federal statutes
- Crisis management
- Crime scene processing
- Intelligence analysis
- FAA certified as Remote Pilot, (cert # 4430351)
Accomplishments
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana
September 2024
Excellence Award for career achievement of consistently exhibiting the highest degree of professionalism and commitment, serving as a primary investigator in major cases, receiving the recognition and respect of fellow agents, and having investigations that demonstrate integrity, candor, fairness and reliability. This is the highest annual award given by the USAO, District of Montana.
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas
October 2022
Award of Excellence for the investigation of Ricky Howard wherein he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison relating to the sexual abuse of a child and financial fraud. Additionally, SA Burns was interviewed and filmed for the documentary "Never Seen Again", Episode 1 2022.
The U.S. Attorney General, Washington, DC
October 2018
Award for Exceptional Service, the highest annual honor within the U.S. Department of Justice for employee performance. This was given due to the successful recovery of a kidnapped child, Maci Lilley, where SA David Burns was the case agent in charge of the investigation and recovery. He led a multi-agency investigative team consisting of approximately 130 law enforcement personnel to the successful live recovery of Maci Lilley. SA Burns obtained the confession from the subject, collected forensic evidence from the crime scene. Additionally, he sat at the prosecutors table as a member of the prosecution team during the successful federal trial of John Lieba as well as testifying at that trial.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana
September 2016
Excellence Award for Outstanding Performance as a Federal Criminal Investigator, Professionalism and Extraordinary Dedication to the Law Enforcement Mission of the United States. This related to consistent outstanding performance over several cases stemming from Sexual Assault, Homicide and Drug Trafficking.
FBI Headquarters, Washington, DC
October 2011
A commendation letter from Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI, for contributions to the successful mulit-agency investigation and prosecution of Noshir Gowadia for espionage, selling classified information regarding the B-2 Bomber and stealth technologies to the People's Republic of China.
FBI Headquarters, Washington, DC
May 2009
Certificate of Achievement for investigation of a national security matter involving the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China.
FBI, Dallas, TX
March 2004
Certificate of Achievement for professionalism and dedication of a "high-priority Al-Qaeda" investigation.
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas
September 2003
Award presented for dedicated service in a National Security Terrorism matter.
May 2000
Certificate of Achievement for successful investigation and prosecution of a multi-million dollar financial fraud matter.
Timeline
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Salt Lake City Division
08.2011 - 06.2024
Supervisory Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI
10.2009 - 08.2011
Supervisory Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
07.2007 - 10.2009
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI
08.1998 - 07.2007
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
06.1995 - 08.1998
Cost Accountant
Cut Craft, Inc.
01.1991 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Business - Accounting
Texas Christian University (TCU)
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