John Pias
Brighton,MI
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Thirty five years of experience in both private (sales, marketing and business development) and public sector (law enforcement/investigations). Retiring from federal service in August 2024. Current Top Secret/SCI clearance
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Agent in Charge
Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General
Dearborn, Michigan
11.2022 - Current
- Provide leadership and overall planning and coordination of criminal investigative activities throughout a five state region.
- Review investigative documents for accuracy and completeness prior to submission to prosecutors.
- Analyze intelligence data from various sources to identify patterns of criminal activity.
- Evaluate the performance of subordinate staff members; provide training as necessary.
- Attend meetings with prosecutors to discuss cases under investigation or pending prosecution.
- Represent the agency at public events such as press conferences or community outreach programs.
- Coordinate and supervise investigations conducted by special agents and other personnel.
- Assess potential risks associated with proposed operations before authorizing them.
- Prepare detailed briefings for senior management regarding ongoing investigations.
- Participate in multi-agency task forces to investigate organized crime activities or terrorism threats.
- Supervise staff in criminal investigations involving multiple states and jurisdictions.
- Investigate suspected and alleged criminal violations of laws to determine if evidence warrants prosecution.
- Protect national borders by investigating interstate crimes, international espionage and potential terrorist threats.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division
Detroit, Michigan
03.2020 - 11.2022
- Oversaw all enforcement programs and Division operations throughout the state of Michigan.
- Created and implemented plans for successful completion of special investigative projects.
- Assisted in the development of budgets for investigative programs within assigned jurisdiction.
- Developed operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal laws and agency policy.
- Coordinated cross-agency efforts between local law enforcement agencies and other federal agencies involved in criminal investigations.
- Participated in community outreach initiatives designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and citizens.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinate special agents in the resolution of complex investigations.
- Attended meetings with government officials at various levels in order to discuss ongoing investigations or other matters related to law enforcement operations.
- Coordinated security operations, equipment and personnel to ensure successful operational outcomes.
- Completed weekly and monthly reports summarizing activities.
- Protected national borders by investigating interstate criminal enterprises and international firearms trafficking activity.
- Trained and mentored field investigators and worked with first level supervisors to identify skills, problem areas, and opportunities for staff development and improvement.
Program Manager (Congressional Fellow)
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bureau Headquarters
Washington, DC
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Assigned to Chairman Chuck Grassley's Senate Finance Committee, Healthcare and Special Projects Team on Capitol Hill.
- Provided guidance and support to team members in order to achieve targets within defined deadlines.
- Collaborated with teams across departments to develop effective strategies for executing programs.
- Participated actively in brainstorming sessions focused on improving existing processes or creating innovative approaches for solving complex social issues such as elder abuse, opioid addiction, international smuggling and amateur athlete abuse.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss progress and challenges.
- Synthesized large amounts of information to support research efforts.
- Located expert witnesses and encouraged them to testify at Senate hearings.
- Prepared written questions for Chairman Grassley to use during hearings.
Class Supervisor
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ATF National Academy
Glynco, Georgia
07.2018 - 09.2018
- Responsible for daily interactions, coaching, mentoring, training, and guidance of a class of newly hired ATF Special Agents.
- Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Reviewed completed work to verify completeness and accuracy.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
Group Supervisor
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dallas Field Division
Irving, Texas
02.2016 - 09.2018
- Responsible for the daily operations and supervision of the ATF Group assigned to the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Violent Crime Initiative and the Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG).
- Assessed each group member and gave performance feedback.
- Organized regular team activities designed to improve morale and promote collaboration among colleagues.
- Provided technical support to employees as needed in order to complete assignments successfully.
- Conducted weekly team meetings to discuss progress on projects and identify areas of improvement.
- Resolved conflicts between team members in a timely manner while maintaining positive working relationships.
- Mentored junior staff members on best practices related to task completion and professional development.
- Created reports outlining project status updates, budget allocations, and other pertinent information for senior management review.
- Coached and developed direct reports to lead problem-solving activities.
- Created and distributed monthly, quarterly and annual reports to management regarding performance.
- On a quarterly basis, gave in-person, formal case presentations to the HIDTA Board of Directors which consisted of senior agency heads from 20+ federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Special Agent/Training Manager
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ATF National Academy
Glynco, Georgia
11.2014 - 02.2016
- Responsible for managing the Tactics Training Program for Special Agent Basic Training at the ATF National Academy.
- Delivered formal training to new agents on proper tactical techniques and procedures.
- Organized, coordinated and delivered classroom and practical training sessions for new employees.
- Coordinated with other subordinate training personnel to identify skill or knowledge gaps and implement training needs.
- Identified areas of improvement in existing training methods and procedures.
- Roleplayed various scenarios with teams to build confidence in handling stressful situations.
- Implemented training improvements to achieve desired results.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts, vendors and third-party training providers to support learning and development strategy.
- Designed complex training schedules.
- Produced reports and maintained training documents to support training activities (i.e. lesson plan development)
- Managed budgeting process for training programs within the organization.
- Developed instructional materials such as presentations, videos, and simulations.
- Created post-training evaluation surveys to measure performance improvement.
- Scheduled meetings with stakeholders to discuss future learning needs.
- Collaborated with management to align on strategy and communication of content.
- Conducted needs assessments using variety of methods to identify and prioritize developmental needs.
- Presented training information via lecture, demonstration, role playing, simulations and practical exercises.
- Managed training calendar for entire fiscal year, including setting course plans, securing training spaces and logistics.
- Led training classes and recorded instruction for immediate student feedback.
- Monitored training costs to maintain training budget.
Special Agent
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Orleans Field Division
Shreveport, Louisiana
08.2004 - 11.2014
- Investigated violations of federal firearms, explosives, narcotics, financial and arson laws.
- Conducted investigations into criminal activities, including firearm criminal possession and use, drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime.
- Coordinated with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in joint operations.
- Gathered information from confidential informants, surveillance teams and other law enforcement agencies.
- Testified at grand jury proceedings and court hearings related to criminal cases.
- Executed and obtained search warrants and subpoenas to obtain evidence for resolution of criminal matters.
- Interviewed witnesses and suspects to obtain information regarding criminal activities.
- Analyzed intelligence data to identify patterns of criminal activity.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting all aspects of investigations for review by supervisors.
- Served subpoenas for documents and records related to investigation targets.
- Ensured compliance with laws governing search and seizure procedures.
- Assisted in training new agents on proper investigative techniques and procedures.
- Partnered with other law enforcement agencies to target violent offenders in local communities.
- Monitored communications between suspected criminals via wiretaps, phone taps or other electronic devices.
- Developed new sources of intelligence through networking with other agents and contacts within the community.
- Completed weekly and monthly reports summarizing activities.
- Utilized advanced computer systems to access data on individuals of interest and generate investigative leads.
- Attended meetings with prosecutors to discuss details of ongoing investigations.
- Performed physical surveillance operations using a variety of methods such as foot patrols, vehicle tracking or aerial reconnaissance.
- Participated in undercover assignments to infiltrate criminal organizations or networks.
- Provided assistance to victims of crimes during investigation process or court appearances.
- Managed crime scene investigations by collecting evidence, performing fingerprinting and taking videos and photos of scenes.
Education
B.A. Degree, Marketing -
Southeastern Louisiana University
12.1993
Skills
- Verbal Communication
- Investigation Management
- Criminal Investigations
- Threat Assessment
- Organized Crime Knowledge
- Crisis Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Explosives Handling
- First-Aid and CPR
- Surveillance Equipment Use
- Investigative Experience
- Firearms Training
- Interviewing Witnesses
- Surveillance
- Intelligence Analysis
- Undercover Operations
Websites
Performance Evaluations
- FY 2023, Achieved Excellence
- FY 2022, Exceeds Expectations (New SAC)
- FY 2021, Plan Not Completed (transferred agencies)
- FY 2020, Meets (New ASAC)
- FY 2019, Exceeds
- FY 2018, Exceeds
- FY 2017, Outstanding (Second year Supervisor)
- FY 2016, Fully Successful (New Supervisor)
- FY 2015, Outstanding
- FY 2014, Exceeds Expectations
- FY 2013, Outstanding
- FY 2012, Outstanding
- FY 2011, Outstanding
- FY 2010, Outstanding
Awards And Commendations
- December 2023, Individual Cash Award, Dept. of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General
- December 2022, Individual Cash Award, Dept. of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General
- July 2021, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- December 2019, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- December 2018, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- August 2018, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- December 2017, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- May 2017, Chief’s Commendation, City of Irving, TX, Chief of Police
- May 2017, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- August 2016, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- November 2015, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- June 2013, Individual Time Off Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- December 2012, Individual Time Off Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- January 2011, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- December 2009, Quality Step Increase, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- January 2008, Sustained Superior Performance Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- December 20017, Individual Cash Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- August 2007, Special Act Award, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- January 2005, Outstanding Performance at the ATF National Academy Commendation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- January 2005, Superior Marksmanship Commendation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, National Academy Director
Training And Professional Development
- 2021, ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Training Conference, Nashville, TN, 1 week
- 2018, Georgetown University, Government Affairs Institute Congressional Fellowship Training Program, Washington, DC
- 2017, Long-term Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dallas Field Division Office, Dallas, TX, 9 weeks
- 2017, 2017 Western Region Supervisor Conference, U.S. Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO, 3 days
- 2016, RAC/GS Leadership and Command Course, U.S. Army War College Carlisle Barracks, PA, 1 week
- 2016, Leadership Skills for New Supervisors, LS-201, Washington, DC, 2 weeks
- 2015, Taser Instructor Certification, Taser Training Academy, 3 days
- 2014, Law Enforcement Instructor Training Program, LEITP 507, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Glynco, GA, 2 weeks
- 2014, Firearms Instructor Training Program, Class G, FITP 502, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Glynco, GA, 2 weeks
- 2013, Advanced Financial Investigations Seminar, Washington, DC, 3 days
- 2012, ATF Special Response Team Basic School, Fort Pickett, Virginia, 2 weeks
- 2011, ATF Firearms Instructor Training Program, FITP 1101, San Antonio, Texas, 2 weeks
- 2010, Southwest Border Firearms Trafficking Techniques Training, El Paso, Texas, 4 days
- 2009, State of Louisiana POST Council Highway Interdiction & Drug Asset Forfeiture Seminar, Lafayette, Louisiana, 3 days
- 2008, John E. Reid and Associates Advanced Course on Interviewing and Interrogation, Bossier City, Louisiana, 3 days
- 2007, ATF Complex Investigations Training, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Brunswick, Georgia, 6 days
- 2007, DOJ Financial Investigations Seminar, Hilton Head, South Carolina, 3 days
- 2005, ATF Special Agent Basic Training, SABT #502, ATF National Academy Brunswick, Georgia, 16 weeks
- 2004, Criminal Investigator Training Program, CITP #501, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Brunswick, Georgia, 12 weeks
Volunteer Experience
Bossier City, Louisiana Police Department, Reserve Police Officer, 1/1996, 7/1999, Performed regular police activities while on duty such as: responding to calls for assistance, investigating traffic accidents, assisting the public, directing traffic, working special events and enforcing all city ordinances and state statutes.
Affiliations
- Busy father of four athletes
- Scuba Diver
Languages
English
Full Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Agent in Charge
Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General
11.2022 - Current
Assistant Special Agent in Charge
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division
03.2020 - 11.2022
Program Manager (Congressional Fellow)
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bureau Headquarters
09.2018 - 03.2020
Class Supervisor
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ATF National Academy
07.2018 - 09.2018
Group Supervisor
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dallas Field Division
02.2016 - 09.2018
Special Agent/Training Manager
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ATF National Academy
11.2014 - 02.2016
Special Agent
United States Department of Justice/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Orleans Field Division
08.2004 - 11.2014
B.A. Degree, Marketing -
Southeastern Louisiana University
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