Sean E. McDonald
Seltzer,PA
Summary
Accomplished professional with over 33 years of experience with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Private Sector. Adept in Dark Web/Cyber, Virtual Currency, Financial, and Criminal investigations with a strategic leadership style. Spearheaded innovative compliance protocols and fostered robust relationships across federal, state, and local entities, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and investigative outcomes. Subject Matter Expert in blockchain technology, regulatory and compliance with a proven track record of driving results and operational excellence.
Resourceful professional in management operations known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational improvement. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies and enhancement of team performance.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Section Director
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Harrisburg, PA
11.2021 - 11.2024
- As the Section Director (SD) for the OAG, SD McDonald was responsible for all Drug Diversion, Compliance, Regulatory, and Dark Web/Cyber, and Virtual Currency investigations for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Authored and implemented a best practice guide for all OAG investigations related to Dark Web, Cyber, or Virtual Currency.
- Routinely coordinated with numerous federal, state, local law enforcement entities to provide assistance, guidance, and training when needed.
- Frequently contacted by private sector companies to provide an opinion on forensic operations, software programs, and enforcement operations.
- The Drug Diversion, Compliance, Cyber, Dark Web, and Virtual Currency Section supported numerous OAG operations, to include other federal, state, and local enforcement operations.
- Standardized the Drug Diversion Section across the Commonwealth to ensure that all eight Regional Offices were operating efficiently and in the same manner.
- Instituted a mandatory 'deconfliction' mechanism to be utilized by all Diversion Narcotics Agents across the state to mitigate any chance of hindering or compromising any other law enforcement agency investigation.
Virtual Currency Financial Investigator
Potomacwave Consulting
04.2021 - 10.2021
- While employed with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), SSA McDonald was contacted by Potomacwave Consulting in Arlington, Virginia and was offered and ultimately accepted a Virtual Currency.
- Financial Investigator assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force because of his previous experience and expertise in Dark Web and forensic exploitation investigations.
- Utilized numerous Virtual Currency tracing software programs and data bases to assist all levels of law enforcement with investigations.
- Authored detailed reports, discussed the results with field investigators, and provided an opinion or advice to field investigators to ultimately identify the appropriate Exchanges that investigators could send legal documentation to and secure information regarding the individual or individuals utilizing the Virtual Currency account for illicit activity.
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
Miami, FL
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) McDonald was requested to return to the Miami Field Division to manage and build the Counternarcotic Cyber Investigations Task Force (CCITF).
- This group was the first ever dedicated Dark Web/Cyber and Virtual Currency Enforcement Group that was created by DEA.
- SSA McDonald was the logical selection to manage, build, and expand this group after his assignment to the DEA Headquarters, Special Operations Division (SOD) was fulfilled.
- This task force was a fully designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) group that worked with multiple federal, state, local, and international law enforcement entities.
- Additionally, because of SSA McDonald’s liaison ability, the MFD CCITF shared intelligence and information with multiple of our international law enforcement partners to target the individuals attempting to hide behind the Tor browser and conduct illegal activity.
- SSA McDonald coordinated the dismantlement of numerous Dark Web Platforms and Vendors operating domestically and internationally.
- Utilized his liaison skills and secured federal agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, and Task Force Officers (TFO’s) from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Staff Coordinator
Drug Enforcement Administration
01.2016 - 01.2018
- While assigned to the DEA Headquarters, Special Operations Division (SOD), SSA McDonald coordinated the arrest of Alexandre Cazes, who was the administrator of the AlphaBay Dark Web Market.
- At the time of the above operation, SSA McDonald de-conflicted with the Dutch National Police regarding the takedown operation on the Hansa Dark Web Market.
- A coordinated enforcement operation was designed to take down the Hansa Dark Web Market first, which would force thousands of vendors and buyers to move to the AlphaBay Dark Web Market where law enforcement would be able to capture their registration data.
- Conducting these types of operations encompassed several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies both domestically and internationally.
- SSA McDonald coordinated global Dark Web operations while working with all elements of law enforcement and the Intelligence Community.
- SSA McDonald was responsible for developing strategies, exploiting information, triaging data, and briefing high level domestic and international law enforcement Executives and Prosecutors.
- Because of the transparency being utilized by SSA McDonald and the coordinated sharing of information in this operation, numerous Command and Control individuals operating the Dark Web platforms were arrested and millions of dollars in Virtual Currency and assets were seized.
- On any given day, SSA McDonald could be assisting investigations concerning the laundering of narcotics proceeds via virtual currency, exploiting information on individuals purchasing, selling, or managing Dark Web platforms, or individuals utilizing the Dark Web for child exploitation
- SSA McDonald utilized all domestic and international law enforcement assets and expertise to the fullest extent to ultimately identify the individuals attempting to 'hide' behind the Dark Web moniker.
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
Phoenix, AZ
01.2010 - 01.2016
- SSA McDonald was responsible for all narcotics enforcement, intelligence, and money laundering investigations for the Nogales, Arizona Resident Office/Enforcement Group 2.
- Built a strong team by assessing individual performance, identifying opportunities, defining goals, and reassigning individuals to utilize their strengths in DEA investigations.
- Managed investigations by researching and utilizing all intelligence available to expand enforcement operations domestically and abroad.
- Facilitated relationships with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, which expanded multiple DEA investigations and initiated new investigations.
- Since a majority of the agents in the NRO were less experienced in operational matters, and did not have a law enforcement background, SSA McDonald routinely directed and advised NRO agents on how to properly complete the required paperwork, abide by DEA policy, and constantly mentored the agents to ensure that they were developing their skills to the fullest extent.
- Directed his group to investigate the highest-level drug trafficking organizations (DTO) operating in southern Arizona that had ties back to source Countries for chemicals and precursors.
- Because of the limited amount of personnel at the NRO, SSA McDonald cultivated a working relationships with the several local, state, and federal law agencies as a force multiplier.
Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
Dallas, TX
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Integrated DEA operations and investigations as part of the Dallas Field Division filed work plan by utilizing his resources and contacts abroad to identify and expand Tyler Resident Office (TRO) investigations.
- Was responsible for initiating and expanding the Concealed Trap Initiative program for the TRO and worked joint investigations with local, state, and other federal law enforcement components on a daily basis to dismantle narcotics trafficking organizations.
- SA McDonald utilized a Confidential Source (CS) that he cultivated while assigned overseas to assist in identifying numerous narcotics traffickers and money launders operating in the Dallas Field Division area of responsibility.
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
Quito, Ecuador
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Served as an advisor to the United States Ambassador and Embassy personnel on all international narcotics related matters including legislative change requirements, current trends, and recommendations.
- Coordinated with a team of special agents, foreign law enforcement personnel, developed information and confidential sources to facilitate, support, and expand all investigations.
- Established and maintained collaborative relationships with Department of State officials, other United States agencies, and host nation counterparts to ensure that all enforcement projects, operations, and anti-money laundering programs were managed appropriately.
- Assisted in the implementation of the Narcotics Country Action Plan that complements DEA’s international operational mission and assisted in the coordination for DEA’s investigative advisory, intelligence, training, and operational programs.
- Well versed in both cultures and individual personalities to cultivate genuine relationships within the Ecuador government.
- Conducted three International Controlled Deliveries (ICD) of narcotics from Ecuador to the United States in furtherance of DEA international investigations targeting the command and control members of drug trafficking organizations around the world.
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
Miami, FL
01.1998 - 01.2005
- Initiated multi-agency domestic and international interdiction and enforcement investigations, Title III intercepts, International Controlled Deliveries, and local impact investigations while assigned to the Miami Field Divisions.
- Worked joint investigations with local, state, and federal law enforcement components on a daily basis which resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals and the seizure of millions of dollars of assets and contraband.
- Built extensive working coalitions with local, state, federal, and international components in an effort to expand investigations to the fullest extent.
Parole Agent
Schuylkill County Intensive Parole Department
Pottsville, PA
01.1992 - 01.1997
- Five years as a sworn law enforcement officer in the State of Pennsylvania while employed by the Schuylkill County Adult Parole Department as an Intensive Parole Agent.
- Was one of the first individuals to be Act 235 certified in Schuylkill County.
- Assisted in the establishment of the 'House Arrest / Electronic Monitoring Program' while maintaining an active case load of violent repeat offenders.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Administration of Justice
Penn State University
State College, PA01.1991
Masters Degree Courses - Administration of Justice
Penn State University / Florida State University
Skills
- TS/SCI Clearance
- Strategic leadership
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Relationship building
- International investigations
- Criminal investigations
- Financial investigations
- Dark Web / Cyber investigations
- Regulatory compliance
- Results-oriented leader
- Mentoring
- Blockchain technology
- Budget planning
- Risk mitigation
- Digital Intelligence
- Policy and Procedure oversight
- Internal audits
- Personnel Management
- Crisis management
- Strong communication and written skills
- Contract financial management
- Oversee contracts, accounts receivable, and procurement
- Project risk and profit analytical analyzation
- Experience and knowledge of travel regulations rules and guidelines
Timeline
Section Director
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
11.2021 - 11.2024
Virtual Currency Financial Investigator
Potomacwave Consulting
04.2021 - 10.2021
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
01.2018 - 01.2021
Staff Coordinator
Drug Enforcement Administration
01.2016 - 01.2018
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
01.2010 - 01.2016
Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
01.2008 - 01.2010
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
01.2005 - 01.2008
Supervisory Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
01.1998 - 01.2005
Parole Agent
Schuylkill County Intensive Parole Department
01.1992 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Administration of Justice
Penn State University
Masters Degree Courses - Administration of Justice
Penn State University / Florida State University
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