Joseph M.
Cleveland
Summary
Results-driven criminal investigator with 31 years of law enforcement experience, including 10+ years specializing in complex financial crimes, fraud, cryptocurrency investigations, and money laundering. Proven expertise in conducting in-depth criminal analysis, developing target profiles, preparing detailed investigative reports, and collaborating with federal, state, and local task forces. Skilled in open-source intelligence (OSINT), link analysis, electronic surveillance, and presenting findings to prosecutors and stakeholders. Task Force Officer (TFO) with the U.S. Secret Service Money Laundering Task Force.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Investigator / Special Deputy Sheriff / Task Force Officer
U.S. Secret Service Money Laundering Task Force
02.2022 - Current
- - Conduct complex criminal investigations in coordination with U.S. Secret Service agents, focusing on money laundering, bank fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, business email compromise (BEC), and cyber-enabled financial crimes.
- - Develop target packages and suspect profiles through comprehensive analysis of financial records, digital evidence, and open-source intelligence.
- - Perform protective intelligence research and criminal analysis utilizing federal databases, link-analysis software, and blockchain tracing tools.
- - Draft affidavits for federal and state search and seizure warrants; prepare operational plans and participate in warrant execution.
- - Review and analyze cellular phone and computer forensic extractions; produce detailed analytical reports for grand jury and trial presentation.
- - Maintain ongoing collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including federal agencies, financial institutions, and cryptocurrency platforms.
Detective / Officer in Charge, Financial Crimes Unit
Cleveland Division of Police
01.2017 - 02.2022
- - Led daily operations of a high-volume Financial Crimes Unit; reviewed all incoming fraud reports and assigned cases for investigation.
- - Conducted in-depth analysis of organized fraud rings involving bank fraud, insurance fraud, elder financial exploitation, mail fraud, account takeovers, and cryptocurrency scams.
- - Developed comprehensive link-analysis charts and investigative summaries for cases involving 70+ suspects across multiple jurisdictions.
- - Identified, analyzed, and extracted critical information from financial records, victim statements, digital evidence, and Suspicious Activity Reports (FinCEN SARs).
- - Provided criminal research and analytical support to federal, state, and local agencies nationwide on large-scale fraud investigations.
- - Delivered technical training and briefings on financial crime trends and investigative techniques to internal personnel and external partners.
- - First officer in Ohio to seize a cryptocurrency ATM kiosk, resulting in full victim restitution.
Crisis Negotiator
Cleveland Division of Police Crisis Negotiation Team
01.2017 - 02.2022
- - Responded to critical incidents involving barricaded subjects, suicidal individuals, and hostage situations; applied FBI-trained negotiation techniques to achieve peaceful resolutions.
Detective, Fourth District Vice Unit / Detective Bureau
Cleveland Division of Police
06.2000 - 01.2017
- - Investigated major felony crimes including homicide, felonious assault, robbery, and burglary.
- - Conducted undercover operations targeting criminal street gangs and narcotics trafficking organizations.
- - Prepared detailed case files, wrote search warrants, and testified in criminal court proceedings.
Patrol Officer, Fourth District
Cleveland Division of Police
06.1993 - 06.2000
- - Responded to calls for service, conducted preliminary criminal investigations, and prepared investigative reports.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting, Criminal Justice
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH06.1991
Skills
- Criminal Analysis & Target Profile Development
- Protective Intelligence Research
- Link Analysis
- Financial Crime Investigation
- Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Tracing
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
- Search Warrant Drafting & Execution
- Forensic Report Writing
- Multi-Agency Task Force Collaboration
- Stakeholder Briefing & Presentation
- FinCEN SAR/BSA Review
- Electronic Surveillance Techniques
Websites
Certification
- TRM Labs Digital Currency Investigation Training
- Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Tracing (Multiple courses)
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Techniques
- FBI Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Course
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) Investigations
- Cyber Investigative Techniques
- Ransomware Investigative Principles
- Basic Network Intrusion Investigation
- Multimedia Investigative Techniques
Section name
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Timeline
Special Investigator / Special Deputy Sheriff / Task Force Officer
U.S. Secret Service Money Laundering Task Force
02.2022 - Current
Detective / Officer in Charge, Financial Crimes Unit
Cleveland Division of Police
01.2017 - 02.2022
Crisis Negotiator
Cleveland Division of Police Crisis Negotiation Team
01.2017 - 02.2022
Detective, Fourth District Vice Unit / Detective Bureau
Cleveland Division of Police
06.2000 - 01.2017
Patrol Officer, Fourth District
Cleveland Division of Police
06.1993 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Accounting, Criminal Justice
University of Dayton