Michael Van Aelstyn
Lexington,Kentucky
Summary
Strategic and collaborative leader with over 15 years of law enforcement experience delivering world class results through negotiation, leadership, collaboration, partnership, and innovative solutions. Skilled in risk management, threat assessment, and mitigation, crisis response, compliance, and financial management. Experience in conducting multifaceted and diverse investigations related to large-scale drug trafficking organizations, violent crimes and gang investigations, child exploitation, cyber security, and fraud. Proven leadership fostering substantial partnerships with private entities and law enforcement agencies in international, federal, and local environments. Drives initiatives with relentless focus on flawless execution.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Agent
Federal Bureau Of Investigation
01.2012 - Current
- Investigate high level criminal and national security violations.
- Prepared reports, kept investigation records, and maintained all case-related paperwork.
- Offered operational and administrative oversight to team of special agents.
- Safe Streets Task Force Investigating Violent Crimes-investigating High Level Drug Cases, Gang Cases, Human Trafficking, Bank Robberies, Cyber, Counterintelligence, Child Sex Tourism
- Member of Louisville FBI SWAT Team for approximately 10 years
- Held position as Undercover Coordinator for Louisville FBI
- Primary fitness coordinator for nine years
- Testified as Expert Witness in multiple trials.
Special Agent
Federal Bureau Of Investigation
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Capitol Insurrection Case investigating incoming tips from public pertaining to assaults on Federal Police as well as damage to Capitol.
- Increased number of case closures by 50% by showing incoming agents and support best practices.
- Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings
Adjunct Lecturer
University of South Carolina-Upstate
08.2012 - 05.2022
- Strong familiarity and proficiency in Blackboard and Microsoft office
- Courses: Introduction to Criminal Justice Introduction to Policing
- Organized, prepared, and revised Introduction to Policing; Introduction to Criminal Justice; and Community Correction classes remotely for College of Criminal Justicecourse material and applied technological options for online and course-related software
Assistant Legal Attache
United States Embassy
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Worked on over 40 cases as Assistant Legal Attaché investigating child sex tourism, resulting in apprehension and prosecution of multiple offenders from United States traveling to Philippines
- Located and providing restitution payments to numerous victims throughout Philippines
- Coordinated with diverse police forces to locate, evaluate, interview, and document victim’s statements for trials
- Provided high level training to foreign dignitaries as well as to federal and local law enforcement investigators
- Represented FBI as Primary Legal Attaché to Philippines to coordinate entire United States FBI response to large scale operations to include coordinating liaison opportunities with Ambassadors, Embassies, and international law enforcement partners
- Coordinated with Philippines National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-Philippines) and representatives from countries regarding investigations in violation of international law.
Special Agent
Phoenix Field Office
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Investigate high level counterterrorism investigations
- Joint Terrorism Task Force Investigating International Terrorism specifically targeting Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula
- Established Campus Liaison Agent: grew program from two Universities to 35 colleges and Universities in Phoenix area.
- Prepared reports, kept investigation records, and maintained all case-related paperwork
Police Officer
City Of Phoenix
10.2008 - 01.2010
- Standards and Training Certified for state of Arizona
- Worked in a Patrol Capacity in South Mountain Precinct
- Conducted both reactive and proactive patrol functions for City of Phoenix, Arizona
- Graduated from Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in 2008
- Recipient of Exemplary Recruit Award for Police Recruit displaying excellent performance in academics, physical fitness, application of legal knowledge, and leadership throughout police academy
- Recipient of Physical Fitness Award for maintaining highest standard of physical fitness during academy.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.
Lecturer
Northern Arizona University
08.2008 - 01.2010
- Taught and developed Introduction to Court System, Adult Adjudication, and Criminal Justice Leadership in Public Agency Service program designed for full-time professional management first responders for promotion, program comprehension, and self-improvement, Courses: Introduction to Court System: Adult Adjudication Criminal Justice Leadership
Research Associate/Consultant
Force Science Research Center
05.2008 - 08.2008
- Led research effort for London Metropolitan Police Department focusing on police communication issues and mental illness
- Results demonstrated that there is significant need for officers to recognize and identify individuals with mental health issues and have a single source reporting location in department
- Recommendations were provided to establish use of mental health consultants during mental health incidents.
Assistant Professor
Minnesota State University-Mankato
08.2007 - 05.2008
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
- Helped struggling students by providing support outside of classrooms and consistently checking in on progress.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Published in academic journals and presented at national academic conferences to include American Criminal Justice Society and American Criminological Society.
Courses:
Police Emergency Response Procedures (LAWE 343)
Police Stress (LAWE 331)
Introduction to Law Enforcement (LAWE 131)
Victimology (LAWE 232)
Lecturer
Sam Houston State University
08.2004 - 08.2007
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
- Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
- Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
- Establish curriculum for Introduction to Forensics, Drug Use and Abuse, and Criminalistics.
- Conducted primary Quality Control personnel of International Study of Violent Groups Database
- Courses Taught
Introduction to Forensic Science (CJ 366)
Drug Use and Abuse (CJ 462)
Criminalistics Practicum (CJ 477)
Education
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice Administration
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX12.2007
Master of Science - Chemistry
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05.2003
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry/Geology
St. Norbert College
De Pere, WI05.2000
Skills
- Witness Investigations
- Witness Interrogations/Interviews
- Surveillance Technology
- Criminal Investigation Coordination
- Strong Investigative Abilities
- Hand-to-Hand Combat
- Testifying in Cases
- Proficient Educator in Criminal Justice
- Strong Legal Knowledge
- Undercover assignments
Affiliations
2012 2015 Kentucky Narcotic Officers Association
2012—2013 Midwest Gang Investigators Conference
2006 – 2008 American Society of Criminology
– 2008 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
2005 – 2007 Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice
2000 – 2004 American Chemical Society
ORGANIZATIONAL AND UNIVERSITY SERVICE
2005-2006 Sam Houston State University
Graduate Student Organization
Undergraduate Student Development Program Coordinator
2005-2006 Sam Houston State University
Alcohol Awareness Committee
Liaison
2004 Town of Rangely, Colorado
Planning and Zoning Commission
Board Member
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Campus Safety and Security Committee
Additional Information
2004 - 2007 Waterwood Volunteer Fire Department
Huntsville, TX
Firefighter
2003-2004 Rangely Planning and Zoning Commission
Rangely, CO
Zoning Commission
2003 – 2004 Rangely Volunteer Fire Department
Rangely, CO
Firefighter
2003 – 2004 Rangely Distric Hospital
Rangely, CO
Emergency Medical Technical – Basic (Volunteer)
2001-2003 Bluegrass Search & Rescue
Lexington, KY
Team Member
Certification
2020 Behavioral Analysis Unit Threat Management (24 hours)
2019 Undercover Coordinator Conference (24 hours)
2017 Undercover School FBI (80 hours)
2016 CPR Instructor Certification (16 hours)
2014 SWAT Basic School (80 hours)
2014 Physical Fitness Advisor (40 hours)
2014 Weapons of Mass Destruction Tactical Operations (32 hours)
2013 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic National Reg. (160 hours)
2012 Midwest Gang Investigators (40 hours)
2011 SWAT Tactical Operations Center (16 hours)
2011 HUMINT Intermediate Course (80 Hours)
2011 Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction (24 hours)
2010 Counterterrorism Investigations and Operations (80 hours)
2010 New Agent Training (776) hours
2008 Police Officers Standards and Training Certification (760 hours)
2005 Advanced Hostage Negotiations Training (40 hours)
2004 Weapons of Mass Destruction Conference (25 hours)
2004 Firefighter Training Certificate Level 1 (80 hours)
2004 Hazardous Materials Awareness
2003 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic National Reg. (160 hours)
2002 Inductively Coupled Plasma Technician (40 hours)
2002 Slow Water Rescue (10 hours)
2001 Search and Rescue Basic Training (40 hours)
2001 Hazardous Materials Waste Site Worker (40 hours)
Publications & Scholarly Conferences
PUBLICATIONS
Journal Articles
Hill, M.; Hutchison, A.; Keizer, T.; Parkin, S.; Van Aelstyn, M.; & Atwood, D. (2001). Monomeric Group 13 compounds with bidentate (N,O) ligands. Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, 628 (1), 71-75.
Van Aelstyn, M. A. (2005) Balochistan Liberation Army. Criminal Justice International, 21 (87).
Van Aelstyn, M. A. (2005). Pakistan. Criminal Justice International. 21 (87).
Van Aelstyn, M. A. “Crisis Negotiations” (Jul./Aug., 2007) Texas Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Program.
Van Aelstyn, M.; Keizer, T.; Klopotek, D.; Liu, S.; Munoz-Hernandez, M.; Wei, P.; & Atwood, D. (2000). Bimetallic Aluminum and Gallium Chelates with N2O2 Ligands. Organometallics, 19 (9), 1796-1801.
Van Aelstyn, M. A., Matlock, M.; Howerton, B, Henke, K., Atwood, D. (2003). Soft metal preferences of 1, 3-benzenediamidoethanethiol. Water Research, 37 (3), 579-584.
Van Aelstyn, M.A., Matlock, M.; Howerton, B.; & Nordstrom, F. (2002). Advanced Mercury Removal from Gold Leachate Solutions Prior to Gold and Silver Extraction: A Field Study from an Active Gold Mine in Peru. Environmental Science and Technology, 36 (7), 1636-1639.
Encyclopedia Entries
Van Aelstyn, M. (2008). Mexican Organized Crime: Drug Cartels in Organized Crime: From Trafficking to Terrorism(Vol. 1, pp 332-335, by Shanty, F). Denver: ABC Clio,
Van Aelstyn, M. (2008). Violence, Drugs, and Organized Crime in Organized Crime: From Trafficking to Terrorism. (Vol. 1, pp. 338-341, by Shanty, F). Denver: ABC Clio.
Van Aelstyn, M. (2008). Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Organized Crime: From Trafficking to Terrorism. (Vol. 1, pp. 409-411, by Shanty, F). Denver: ABC Clio.
Van Aelstyn, M. (2008). Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Organized Crime: From Trafficking to Terrorism. (Vol. 1, pp. 418-420, by Shanty, F). Denver: ABC Clio.
Book Reviews
Embar-Seddon. Criminalistics/Forensics. Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Johll, Matt. Introduction to Forensic Chemistry. WH Freeman
SCHOLARLY CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
3/2008 Van Aelstyn, Michael Crisis Negotiations: An Evaluation of Perceived Characteristics that Facilitate the Successful Conclusion of Crisis Situations. Presented at the annual meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). Cincinnati, OH.
3/2007 Van Aelstyn, Michael. Crisis Negotiations in School Shootings. Presented at the annual meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), Seattle, WA.
11/2006 Van Aelstyn, Michael, Morris, Robert, & Johnson, Matthew. The Perfect Score: Strain, Self-Control, and Peer Influence in Staged College Cheating. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology (ASC), Los Angeles, CA.
11/2006 Van Aelstyn, Michael. Negotiating with Terrorists. Roundtable discussion at American Society of Criminology (ASC), Los Angeles, CA.
3/2006 Van Aelstyn, Michael and Wilson, Frank.’Hashing’ Out the Marijuana Issue: Reefer Madness Revisited. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), Baltimore, MD.
3/2002 Van Aelstyn, Michael. Heavy Metal Leachates from a Gold Mine in Peru. American Chemical Society. Orlando, FL.
Awards
· FBI “Top 10 Investigation” Award (2018) disrupted a multijurisdictional drug trafficking organization moving a high volume of cocaine and fentanyl, resulting in the seizure of approximately $10,000,000 USD, approximately 220 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl recovered, and approximately 20 individuals arrested throughout the United States.
· “Citation of Achievement” for preventing a mass school shooting in Anderson County Kentucky (2019).
· “On The Spot” Awards: financial incentives for exemplary work (May 2014; May 2015; Aug 2017; June 2019; Aug 2020; Sept 2020; Jan 2021, June 2021; July 2021; Dec 2021).
· “Time Off Awards”: incentives for exemplary work in an investigation (Jan 2011: Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords Shooting; June 2015: For service above the call of duty with a child abduction matter in Bowling Green Kentucky; Title III intercepts in a joint FBI/DEA investigation).
· Distinguished Service Award: Lexington Police Department provided this award for the dismantlement of large-scale drug trafficking organization and money laundering operation
· United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky Recognition of Outstanding Investigation: For the identification, coordination, prevention and confession of a School Shooter in Anderson County, Kentucky
Timeline
Special Agent
Federal Bureau Of Investigation
05.2022 - 08.2022
Assistant Legal Attache
United States Embassy
01.2019 - 05.2019
Adjunct Lecturer
University of South Carolina-Upstate
08.2012 - 05.2022
Special Agent
Federal Bureau Of Investigation
01.2012 - Current
Special Agent
Phoenix Field Office
01.2010 - 01.2012
Police Officer
City Of Phoenix
10.2008 - 01.2010
Lecturer
Northern Arizona University
08.2008 - 01.2010
Research Associate/Consultant
Force Science Research Center
05.2008 - 08.2008
Assistant Professor
Minnesota State University-Mankato
08.2007 - 05.2008
Lecturer
Sam Houston State University
08.2004 - 08.2007
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice Administration
Sam Houston State University
Master of Science - Chemistry
University of Kentucky
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry/Geology
St. Norbert College