Warren Adamson
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Senior Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Justice and former U.S. Army Officer with extensive experience leading high-risk, multijurisdictional investigations, aviation surveillance operations, and international law-enforcement collaboration. Skilled in intelligence collection, operational planning, complex case development, and interagency coordination at the federal, state, local, and foreign levels. Recognized throughout career for strong leadership, sound judgment, and consistent contributions to major regional and national enforcement initiatives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Agent / Aviation Division – Pilot (Surveillance)
DEA
Charlotte, NC
01.2022 - Current
- Conduct aerial surveillance in support of federal investigations and major enforcement operations.
- Provide real-time intelligence to ground teams, enhancing officer safety and operational outcomes.
- Support multi-agency investigations by integrating aviation intelligence with broader case objectives.
- Assist with planning surveillance strategies, flight operations, and risk-mitigation approaches.
Special Agent
DEA Charlotte District Office
Charlotte, NC
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Led high-priority investigations disrupting violent criminal networks.
- Recognized for a landmark 2019 seizure, the largest of its kind in North Carolina, significantly improving community safety.
Special Agent
DEA Atlanta Field Division
Atlanta, GA
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Investigated major regional criminal networks.
- Earned multiple awards for investigations generating significant regional impact.
Special Agent – Overseas Assignment
U.S. Embassy, San Salvador, El Salvador
San Salvador, El Salvador
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Supported U.S. foreign-policy and international law-enforcement initiatives.
- Worked with El Salvador's National Police to strengthen cooperation and intelligence sharing.
- Enhanced international relations and operational effectiveness through Spanish-language communication.
Special Agent
DEA Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN
2005 - 01.2013
- Directed complex investigations involving major criminal organizations and multi-state criminal activity.
- Conducted Title III intercept operations, controlled deliveries, reverse undercover ops, interdiction, and long-term surveillance.
- Provided operational planning for high-risk arrests and search warrants.
- Built strong partnerships with SOD, EPIC, and OCDETF Fusion Center.
- Received DEA Performance Awards in 2007 and 2009.
Deputy U.S. Marshal
Western District of North Carolina
Charlotte, NC
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Conducted fugitive investigations, courtroom security, prisoner transport, and judicial protection.
Police Officer
New York City Police Department
New York, NY
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Performed patrol duties, emergency response, and investigative support.
First Lieutenant
United States Army
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Led and trained soldiers in tactical operations and mission planning.
Education
Master of Science - Public Administration
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO01-1998
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Southeast Missouri State University
Skills
- Federal Criminal Investigations
- Aviation Surveillance Operations
- Electronic / Physical Surveillance
- High-Risk Operations Planning
- Threat Assessment
- Interviewing & Interrogation
- Evidence Collection & Preservation
- Federal Court Testimony
- Interagency Liaison & Partnership Building
- Sensitive Information Handling
- Firearms Proficiency
Certification
- Licensed Pilot (Commercial and Instrument rated) 2023-Present
LANGUAGES
Spanish – Limited Working Proficiency
Timeline
Special Agent / Aviation Division – Pilot (Surveillance)
DEA
01.2022 - Current
Special Agent
DEA Charlotte District Office
01.2017 - 01.2022
Special Agent
DEA Atlanta Field Division
01.2015 - 01.2017
Special Agent – Overseas Assignment
U.S. Embassy, San Salvador, El Salvador
01.2013 - 01.2015
Deputy U.S. Marshal
Western District of North Carolina
01.2003 - 01.2005
Police Officer
New York City Police Department
01.2001 - 01.2003
First Lieutenant
United States Army
01.1998 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Southeast Missouri State University
Special Agent
DEA Minneapolis
2005 - 01.2013
Master of Science - Public Administration
Southeast Missouri State University