SARA CAPELLI HINER
Washington,DC
Summary
Social Media Private Investigator with experience in content creation, audience engagement, and analytics monitoring. Excel in communication and creativity to enhance brand presence across social platforms.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Media Investigator
Inquiry Agency
Charleston, SC
01.2018 - Current
- Lead end‑to‑end investigations (surveillance, OSINT, records, interviews); synthesize findings into actionable reports.
- Serve as expert witness; brief counsel, prepare exhibits, and testify as needed.
- Implement evidence handling and documentation practices to safeguard chain of custody and admissibility.
- Built and manage @specialinvestigationunit brand; educate public; monetize and grow cross‑platform presence.
Consultant, Fundraiser, and Legislative Staff
Political & Public Affairs
01.2001 - 01.2018
- Independent Campaign Consultant and Fundraiser (President), Midlothian, VA (2004–2018): Led 25+ winning campaigns; raised $1M+; managed strategy, field, and GOTV.
- Right Policy and Media, LLC — Lobbyist, Richmond, VA (2012–2013): Advanced client priorities; tracked bills; briefed lawmakers/stakeholders.
- VA Department of Commerce & Trade — Public Affairs Manager (2012–2013): Promoted 'Bob for Jobs' initiative; coordinated press/events.
- U.S. House — Legislative Assistant (2001–2003): Managed legislative research; organized Child Safety Summit; maintained leadership relationships.
- NRCC Strategic Taskforce (2002): Recruited/coordinated volunteers for targeted congressional races.
Education
BA - Sociology, Criminal Justice, Psychology
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05.1999
Skills
- Criminal law investigations
- Family law investigations
- Surveillance
- Witness interviews
- OSINT
- Social media
- Expert testimony
- Evidence handling
- Chain of custody
- Case strategy
- Reporting
- Digital content strategy
- Audience growth
- Monetization
- Campaign strategy
- Fundraising
- Lobbying
- Public affairs
Social Media - Tik Tok
@specialinvestigationunit
Platforms
- TikTok (@specialinvestigationunit)
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- X
Selected Achievements
- Expert witness supporting family and criminal cases; produce court-ready reports, timelines, and exhibits aligned to evidentiary standards.
- Built TikTok to 17.8K followers; went viral in 4 days and monetized in 30 days; expanded across Facebook, YouTube (pending), Instagram, Snapchat, and X.
- Directed 25+ winning campaigns and raised $1M+ in political fundraising; cultivated relationships with PACs, lobbyists, and industry stakeholders.
Timeline
Social Media Investigator
Inquiry Agency
01.2018 - Current
Consultant, Fundraiser, and Legislative Staff
Political & Public Affairs
01.2001 - 01.2018
BA - Sociology, Criminal Justice, Psychology
University of Arizona