Ronnie A. Martinez
Tega Cay,South Carolina
Summary
Seasoned Homeland Security Investigations leader with a proven track record in establishing strategic partnerships and leading high-stakes investigations. Expert in surveillance operations and financial crimes, demonstrating exceptional leadership and Spanish language proficiency. Achieved groundbreaking results in combating organized retail crime, showcasing a blend of tactical acumen and collaborative prowess.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Agent in Charge
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Charlotte, NC
06.2019 - 03.2024
- Assumed command and control of the newly established HSI SAC Charlotte office
- Implemented a strategic plan to establish and function as a standalone SAC office
- Lead and direct over 140 Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts and Administrative staff in 8 field offices covering the full spectrum of HSI investigative activities in North and South Carolina
- Direct HSI's investigative and enforcement initiatives and operations targeting cross-border criminal organizations
- Oversight of over 270 cross-designated task force officers from multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies
- Coordinate law enforcement activities with the highest levels of federal, state, local, and international law enforcement organizations
- Responsible for executing an operational budget of approximately $1 million dollars
- Represent the agency in public forums and interact with media outlets regarding the HSI mission
- Foster and maintain partnerships among diverse stakeholders, streamlining communication and resource sharing to enhance investigative efficiency as well as with executives at the highest level within the local business community
- A participant as a panel witness in a field hearing before the House Homeland Security Committee
- Spearheaded the creation of the first multi-agency financial task force, bringing together law enforcement and financial institutions to address complex financial crimes.
- Established a groundbreaking partnership in the Carolinas between state and local law enforcement agencies and retail industry loss prevention teams to combat Organized Retail Crime
- Supervised staff in criminal investigations involving multiple states and jurisdictions.
(Acting) Special Agent in Charge
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Kansas City, MO
12.2018 - 06.2019
- Assumed command and control of the newly established HSI SAC Kansas City (KC)
- Responsible for and provided management oversight of 145 diverse Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, and administrative staff in 10 field offices
- Direct oversight of HSI's investigative and enforcement initiatives and operations targeting cross-border criminal organizations
- Created and drove a strategic plan to stand up the organization, merging two different SAC office cultures
- Implemented a strategic vision for organizational change and success
- Established key office functions, including management structure, budget, messaging, and staffing
- Devised and implemented a creative reorganization plan to realign the staff groups
- Analyzed recurring expenditures and identified areas to cut superfluous costs
- Partnered with other law enforcement agencies to target violent drug offenders in local communities.
- Collaborated with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate actions.
- Supervised staff in criminal investigations involving multiple states and jurisdictions.
- Attended meetings with prosecutors to discuss cases under investigation or pending prosecution.
- Participated in multi-agency task forces to investigate organized crime activities or terrorism threats.
- Led task forces aimed at addressing specific criminal threats and challenges.
- Provided expert advice on security and investigative matters to partner agencies and organizations.
Deputy Special Agent in Charge (DSAC)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Seattle, WA
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Led and directed a field office of 270 law enforcement and administrative staff over four states; Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska
- Responsible for executing an operational budget of $2.5 million dollars per year
- Coordinated, implemented and executed action plan with the Federal Protective Service for the protection of government facilities during civilian protests
- Resolved complex immigration issues by coordinating efforts between opposing state government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
- Facilitated the navigation of intricate immigration matters through effective collaboration with state government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify efficiencies and align resources with investigative priorities, enhancing office operations
- Directed strategic initiatives for investigating and prosecuting Federal crimes related to transnational criminal and terrorist organizations, enhancing national security efforts.
- Led task forces aimed at addressing specific criminal threats and challenges to include narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and financial crimes
- Fostered strong partnerships with state and local agencies in sanctuary jurisdictions through continuous education and communication, promoting the agency's mission effectively.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
El Centro, CA
07.2012 - 12.2017
- Supervised over 75 employees across nine investigative groups, leading efforts in narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, alien smuggling, child exploitation, and financial crimes.
- Managed daily operations for a team of nine supervisory special agents, including assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and evaluating performance
- Oversaw operations and investigative oversight at three ports of entry along the Mexicali-Imperial Valley border, a major drug and alien smuggling corridor spanning 4,600 square miles
- Developed and implemented initiatives based on programmatic needs, enhancing office efficiency and effectiveness.
- Provided operational briefings to senior leadership on high-profile investigations and established an ICAC sub-office to combat child pornography in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement
- Oversight of numerous joint investigations, including one of the agency’s highest priority investigation
- Led joint investigations, including a major financial case leading to the prosecution of three bank officials and the forfeiture of $367 million
- Served as Chairman of the Imperial Valley Drug Coalition Executive Board and acted as Deputy Special Agent in Charge and Deputy Assistant Director for Domestic Operations
- Managed a high profile case that drew the attention of United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions and DHS Secretary John Kelly, leading to direct briefings by case agents.
Resident Agent in Charge
Office of Professional Responsibility
El Centro, CA
08.2010 - 07.2012
- Supervised a staff of six Criminal Investigators and one Management Program Analyst
- Directed internal affairs investigations involving violations of departmental rules or regulations
- Assigned and supervised criminal and administrative investigations into corruption and misconduct within Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Oversaw administrative inquiries into employee misconduct, conducted by fact-finders from Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations
- Managed investigative oversight for over 3,800 ICE and CBP employees and contractors across the southern border of the Imperial Valley, California to Wellton, Arizona
- Ensured employee safety and integrity of the agency
- Managed office budget and authorized expenditures for equipment, travel, and operational expenses, ensuring efficient resource allocation
- Represented the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) at senior management meetings, delivering formal presentations to higher-level authorities within and outside of ICE and CBP on priority program areas and operational activities
- Fostered relationships with Department of Homeland Security Internal Security components and external agencies, coordinating successful joint operations and investigations while maintaining a professional and ethical work environment
- Collaborated with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate actions
- Trained and mentored field investigators and worked with team lead to identify skills, problem areas, and opportunities for staff development and improvement.
- Led undercover operations to infiltrate criminal organizations and gather critical information
- Analyzed intelligence data to identify patterns, threats, and potential criminal entities
- Coordinated security operations, equipment and personnel to protect employees and property
(A) Deputy Division Director, Executive Information Unit
Office of Professional Responsibility
Washington, DC
01.2008 - 08.2010
- Led the Headquarters Investigations Support Unit in Washington, DC by planning, scheduling, and assigning duties aligned with the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Director's priorities, establishing guidelines, and evaluating staff performance.
- Provided expert advice and technical consultation on complex investigative matters, developing and coordinating strategic and tactical implementation of special operations.
- Managed regional functions in technical operations, intelligence, and physical security programs, supporting nationwide investigative planning and reviewing final Reports of Investigation
- Interacted with senior government officials and high-ranking public sector personnel to resolve complex investigative strategies and issues
- Planned, scheduled, and assigned duties to subordinates, aligning with OPR Director's priorities and initiatives
- Managed regional functions encompassing technical operations, intelligence, physical security programs, special operations, and integrity testing
- Supported nationwide investigative planning and reviewed final Reports of Investigation before submission to the disciplinary component at DHS Headquarters
- Consulted with the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor's legal staff on personnel matters and advised Employee and Labor Relations staff on investigative findings and disciplinary actions
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of case inventories across all OPR offices and geographic regions to support budgetary justification for human capital enhancement along the Southwest border
- Collaborated with the Director and Deputy Director of OPR to present analysis findings to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, securing funding for workforce enhancement along the Southwest border
- Established and led the Executive Information Unit (EIU) within the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), ensuring accountability, consistency, and efficiency in statistical reporting
- Collaborated with case management analysts to develop system enhancements, improving data quality and reporting processes
- Supervised and managed administrative and human resource functions for the EIU staff, while serving as a key resource for statistical and case management resolution
- Resolved any conflicts that arose among staff members or between staff members and management
- Collaborated closely with other departments within the organization to promote cross-functional communication and cooperation
- Conducted performance evaluations and recommended areas for improvement
Special Agent
ICE, Office of Professional Responsibility
03.2003 - 01.2008
- Led comprehensive investigations into employee misconduct, bribery, theft, false claims, and fraud within the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- Coordinated and directed complex criminal, civil, and administrative case investigations, ensuring thorough development and resolution.
- Facilitated the seamless integration of multiple legacy government agencies into the newly established Department of Homeland Security.
- Managed highly sensitive investigations, maintaining strict confidentiality and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
- Worked with officials in foreign countries to share intelligence and target international criminals.
- Collaborated with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate actions.
- Interviewed witnesses and suspects to obtain information regarding criminal activities.
- Executed search warrants and seized contraband items as evidence in cases.
- Reviewed case files to identify evidence and determine the best investigative strategies.
- Testified in court cases to back up case evidence and detail timelines.
- Obtained and executed search and arrest warrants in full compliance with legal protections.
- Participated in undercover assignments to infiltrate criminal organizations or networks.
- Managed crime scene investigations by collecting evidence, performing fingerprinting and taking videos and photos of scenes.
- Provided expert advice on security and investigative matters to partner agencies and organizations.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of emerging trends and techniques in law enforcement.
- Utilized technology and software tools for data analysis, surveillance, and case management.
- Monitored communications between suspected criminals via wiretaps, phone taps or other electronic devices.
Special Agent
U.S. Customs, Office of Internal Affairs
01.2001 - 03.2003
- Conducted comprehensive criminal, civil, and administrative investigations into employee misconduct, bribery, theft, false claims, and fraud against U.S. Customs Service programs
- Interviewed witnesses, informants, and subjects of investigations, leveraging Spanish language proficiency to enhance communication and investigation outcomes
- Participated in undercover operations for internal criminal investigations, contributing to the successful resolution of cases
- Performed physical surveillance operations using a variety of methods such as foot patrols, vehicle tracking or aerial reconnaissance
- Led undercover operations to infiltrate criminal organizations and gather critical information
- Analyzed intelligence data to identify patterns of criminal activity
- Served subpoenas for documents and records related to investigation targets
- Sought out witnesses to obtain information about identifiable violations of local, state or federal statutes
- Gathered information from confidential informants, surveillance teams and other law enforcement agencies
- Developed intelligence networks to support information gathering and sharing objectives
- Prepared detailed reports documenting all aspects of investigations for review by supervisors
- Provided assistance to victims of crimes during investigation process or court appearances
- Implemented measures to protect witnesses and victims associated with criminal cases
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive
- Assisted in delivering advanced Anti-Corruption investigation training to Mexican legal and law enforcement professionals in Mexico City, requested by the Mexican Government and Attorney General.
Special Agent
U.S. Customs, Office of Investigations
11.1995 - 01.2001
- Developed and led numerous narcotics and financial investigations, resulting in significant arrests, indictments, convictions, and seizures
- Executed search warrants and conducted interviews, debriefing defendants, informants, and witnesses to gather critical information.
- Authored various legal documents including Criminal Complaints, Statements of Facts Affidavits, Reports of Investigation, Subpoenas, and Chain of Custody reports, and provided testimony in Federal Court and before the Grand Jury
- Partnered with other law enforcement agencies to target violent drug offenders in local communities
- Worked with officials in foreign countries to share intelligence and target international criminals
- Collaborated with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate actions
- Gathered and prepared evidence to prosecute major violators of drug laws.
- Reviewed case files to identify evidence and determine the best investigative strategies.
- Testified in court cases to back up case evidence and detail timelines.
- Conducted background checks and security assessments for sensitive positions and clearances.
- Obtained and executed search and arrest warrants in full compliance with legal protections.
- Participated in undercover assignments to infiltrate criminal organizations or networks.
- Assisted in training new agents on proper investigative techniques and procedures.
- Attended meetings with prosecutors to discuss details of ongoing investigations.
- Served subpoenas for documents and records related to investigation targets.
- Interviewed witnesses and persons of interest to gather statements for use in criminal investigations.
- Gathered information from confidential informants, surveillance teams and other law enforcement agencies.
- Served as a liaison between the office and local Mexican officials, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
Intelligence Research Specialist
U.S. Customs, Office of Intelligence
04.1992 - 11.1995
- Collected intelligence from diverse resources to support U.S. Customs Service programs and other law enforcement agencies
- Conducted research and analysis to develop and publish intelligence products in response to mission requirements
- Utilized inductive and deductive reasoning to analyze data, identifying trends, patterns, and tactical interdiction information
- Conducted highly classified flight operations aboard Customs P-3 'Orion' aircraft, coordinating law enforcement assets with host nation representatives
- Led and managed team members during Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) title III wiretap investigations
- Assisted in coordinating ground and air law enforcement assets during temporary assignments with the Surveillance Support Center (SSC)
- Served as a liaison between international law enforcement agencies during multi-jurisdictional investigation efforts
- Analyzed spoken and written languages to identify patterns and trends
- Analyzed and evaluated many pieces of raw data contributing to multiple intelligence reports
- Transcribed audio recordings into written text using specialized software
- Provided linguistic support to develop language-learning materials
- Provided quality control to correct translations which lead to higher accuracy and higher customer satisfaction
Store Manager
Rent-A-Center NPS
Española, NM
03.1990 - 04.1992
- Lead a team of sales associates to meet and exceed store goals
- Develop and implement strategies to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention
- Monitor daily operations, including cash handling, inventory management, and customer service
- Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures
- Train and develop staff on product knowledge, customer service, and operational processes
- Manage the hiring process for new employees, ensuring they are properly trained and equipped to succeed in their roles
- Analyze financial data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
- Create and maintain an environment that encourages collaboration and teamwork
- Maintain accurate records of customer accounts and payments
- Resolve customer complaints and disputes in a timely manner
- Participate in local marketing initiatives to promote the store’s products and services
- Oversee the maintenance of the store, ensuring it is clean, organized, and secure
Cryptologic Technician Interpretive, Spanish Linguist
United States Navy
09.1985 - 09.1989
- Conducted analysis of foreign naval developments, radio telephone communications and preparation of statistical studies and technical reports requiring knowledge of a foreign language (Spanish)
- Worked with classified material; translating, interpreting and transcribing foreign language communications data; analyzing and reporting highly technical information of strategic and tactical importance to fleet commanders and national intelligence agencies
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance
- Performed analysis and derived information
- Collaborated with other linguists on various research projects
- Determined credibility, value and relevancy of information from various data sources to produce timely reports
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training
- Analyzed and evaluated many pieces of raw data contributing to multiple intelligence reports
- Compiled reports detailing findings from linguistic analyses
- Progressed from collector/transcriber to analyst, providing critical intelligence support during special operations aboard airborne platforms
- Advised U.S. Air Force personnel and supervised subordinate personnel while deployed, ensuring effective intelligence operations
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business/Management (BSB/M)
University of Phoenix
El Centro, CASkills
- Leadership
- Field office management
- Investigative techniques
- Surveillance operations
- Human trafficking awareness
- Firearms training
- Organized retail crime
- Public corruption investigations
- Threat assessment
- Spanish language
- Investigation management
- Interviewing witnesses
- Financial crimes investigation
- Cyber crime
- White-collar crime
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Agent in Charge
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
06.2019 - 03.2024
(Acting) Special Agent in Charge
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
12.2018 - 06.2019
Deputy Special Agent in Charge (DSAC)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
12.2017 - 12.2018
Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
07.2012 - 12.2017
Resident Agent in Charge
Office of Professional Responsibility
08.2010 - 07.2012
(A) Deputy Division Director, Executive Information Unit
Office of Professional Responsibility
01.2008 - 08.2010
Special Agent
ICE, Office of Professional Responsibility
03.2003 - 01.2008
Special Agent
U.S. Customs, Office of Internal Affairs
01.2001 - 03.2003
Special Agent
U.S. Customs, Office of Investigations
11.1995 - 01.2001
Intelligence Research Specialist
U.S. Customs, Office of Intelligence
04.1992 - 11.1995
Store Manager
Rent-A-Center NPS
03.1990 - 04.1992
Cryptologic Technician Interpretive, Spanish Linguist
United States Navy
09.1985 - 09.1989
Bachelor of Science - Business/Management (BSB/M)
University of Phoenix
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