JONATHAN BRADLEY LESS

Arlington,TN

Summary

Law enforcement leader with 32 years of uninterrupted service across municipal, county, federal, and military agencies. Currently Lieutenant, Detective Division, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Special Agent First Class, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). Served as Case Detective Sergeant on the Third Street Flea Market Takedown, the largest intellectual property crime case in Memphis history (150,000+ counterfeit items seized, $21M+ retail value). Expertise in complex criminal investigations, multi-agency operations, property crime expert, white-collar crime expert, digital forensics, surveillance, intelligence gathering, evidence control, interview / interrogation , and case management. Proven leadership in high-pressure environments with demonstrated results in team supervision, operational planning, and successful case resolution. Prepared to apply investigative and protective skills in security, loss prevention, or special agent roles.

Overview

years of post-secondary education

years of professional experience

Work History

Special Agent First Class (Reserve - SELRES)

U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS)

Saint Louis, MO

05.2013 - Current

Assisted full-time Special Agents in investigations of National Security, UCMJ, federal, state, and local cases, contributing to case resolution.
Liaised between local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Coast Guard, enhancing collaboration and information sharing.
Maintain Top Secret security clearance.
Qualified in Series 1811 specialty, demonstrating expertise in federal law enforcement.
Attained Grade E-6 / IV1 rank
Supervisor: S/A Dave Mills (314-972-2280) - Okay to contact

Lieutenant - Detective Division

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Memphis, TN

09.1997 - Current

Led and supervised detectives in complex criminal investigations, enhancing investigative outcomes across the Division.
Directed case management and prioritized multi-unit coordination on high-priority investigations, ensuring timely resolution and collaboration.
Provided decisive leadership through performance evaluations and recognition, fostering a culture of operational excellence.
Led the multi-agency investigation and takedown of the Southwest / Third Street Flea Market as Case Detective Sergeant, recognized for addressing the largest intellectual property crime case in Memphis history while coordinating with ICE/HSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Memphis Police, and federal partners.
Provide decisive leadership, performance evaluations, recognition, and discipline to maintain operational excellence.
Directed daily operations including payroll, leave, roll call, field command, report approval, Use of Force/Pursuit video review, evaluations, and progressive discipline.
Current Assignment: Detective Division (2 years)
Team Leader: SWAT / Hostage Negotiations Team
Key Assignments & Career Progression: Basic Recruit → Patrol (A / B / C) → Fugitive C → Courts (General Sessions Div. 15), GIB Detective - Property Crimes / Violent Crimes & Crime Scene Technician, Task Forces: Attorney General's Public Corruption / Economic Crime; AG Computer Crimes / Forensics; U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crime Task Force, Patrol B Shift Supervisor → Fugitive B Shift Supervisor → Hostage Negotiation Team Leader → Lieutenant, Detective Division (current)

Police Service Technician

Memphis Police Department

Memphis, TN

06.1995 - 09.1997

Assisted on-duty officers with traffic crash investigations, traffic control, and enforcement of traffic laws to enhance public safety.
Provided essential law enforcement services without the need for arrest authority.
Sustained required GPA while attending college full-time under PST program, advancing into full-time Police Academy.

Education

CJUS

Southwest Tennessee Community College

Memphis, TN

05.1996 - 09.1997

University of Memphis

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

Diploma -

Ridgeway High School

Memphis, TN

08.1989 - 01.1993