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Larry Jones, dba LJONES CFA, LLC

Digital Investigations / Testifying Expert

Larry Jones, doing business as LJONES CFA, LLC served as a Special Agent with the FBI in the Baton Rouge Resident Agency of the New Orleans Division from 1987 until his retirement in 2017.  During the first 20 years of his career, he conducted a wide range of criminal investigations involving fraud, corruption by public officials, violent crimes, and narcotics distribution.  As a lead investigator, he conducted investigations which led to the conviction of the Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, as well as a Louisiana State Senator for bribery.  After transitioning to the investigation of cyber related crimes, he conducted and assisted in various cyber/internet crimes including child exploitation, theft of intellectual property, and computer abuse/intrusions.  In the last 10 years of his FBI career, Larry served as a full-time FBI Computer/Mobile Devices forensic examiner and conducted over 300 digital examinations.  He was recognized as an expert witness in the field of computer forensics by the United States District Courts for the Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana.  LJONES CFA, LLC is a licensed private investigative agency in Louisiana (LJONES CFA, LLC).  Larry is also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Tennessee (primary) and Louisiana (reciprocal license).

LJONES CFA (Computer Forensic Analysis) specializes in computer, mobile phone, and network investigations.  Examples of the type of digital forensic services provided by LJONES CFA include:

• LJONES CFA provides consultation and expert testimony services with on-going or anticipated Civil Litigation.  During these investigations, LJONES CFA works closely with the client’s attorneys involved in the civil litigation.  These investigations can include the analysis of the client’s digital evidence (computers and mobile phones) in support of the litigation.  Specific types of data analysis in support of Civil Litigation included:
  • Analysis of suspicious emails and their origin in connection with the theft of personally identifiable information (PII).  The analysis of suspicious emails can also determine their effect on the theft of data.
  • Analysis of metadata associated with picture and video files.  This metadata analysis can assist in determining when a photo was taken, what device took the photo, from where a photo was taken and whether the original photo may have been altered.  LJONES CFA has provided this analysis in support of a divorce proceeding.
• LJONES CFA has, on a limited basis, provided consultation and export witness testimony services to support the defense of Criminal Litigation or in support of an ongoing Criminal Investigation.  Like Civil Litigation services, these investigations work closely with defense counsel.  In these investigations, LJONES CFA can review reports generated by law enforcement to assist in the defendant’s defense.  LJONES CFA can also perform analysis on any digital evidence seized by law enforcement to either verify or dispute findings reached by law enforcement.
  • Extraction of mobile devices such as phones and tablets to preserve the device data in the event of future litigation.  LJONES CFA has performed these services at the request of client’s attorneys.
  • The analysis of extracted mobile device data and the segregation of specific data types from the extraction.  For example, all text messages or all phone call logs identifying an exchange of information between the device owner and a third party can be provided.  These communications were provided to show the extent of information between the defendant and the alleged victim.
  • Analysis of computer data from devices seized by law enforcement.
• LJONES CFA conducts theft of proprietary data investigations where a current or former employee is the subject of the inquiry.  These investigations are commonly referred to as an Insider Threat investigation.  LJONES CFA, LLC recommends the digital devices of all recently separated employees undergo limited forensic analysis to ensure no data was stolen by the former employee.  Insider Threat investigations, where the theft of proprietary data is confirmed, often results in employee discipline, a referral to law enforcement, or the initiation of Civil Litigation.
  • The identification of external devices such as USB devices attached to a computer.  In conjunction with this analysis, specific files identified as opened from these attached external devices can be identified.  This analysis can identify files contained on external storage media even when the external storage media is not available for review.  LJONES CFA has performed this analysis in support of Civil Litigation (Insider Threat) as well as Employee Misconduct investigations.
• LJONES CFA has conducted investigations involving the theft of money or personal information though online deceit such as the use of phishing emails or fraudulent Internet websites.  In the corporate environment, the most common of these attacks are Business Email Compromise or Ransomware.  It is recommended situations where a loss of money occurred, that the incident be reported to law enforcement.  However, even if reported to law enforcement, LJONES CFA can assist in fast-tracking the investigation to determine the method used to steal funds.  Learning the attackers method can also be used to better protect the company in mitigating future attacks.  These type of attacks pose an External Threat to the company or individual.
  • LJONES CFA has successfully copied entire websites from the Internet used in an Internet fraud scheme.
• Employee Misconduct investigations include violations of the company’s Information Technology policies such as unauthorized external media (i.e. USB), unauthorized installation of software, excessive/unauthorized Internet usage, and misuse of company email (harassment).
  • Processing computer and mobile device data to perform keyword searches provided by the client.  These keyword searches were used to quickly identify relevant information in Insider Threat (Theft) and Employee Misconduct investigations.
• Theft of personal information obtained by an attacker through the use of phishing emails.  LJONES CFA can assist in determining the cause of the information theft and whether the attacker continues to have access to the victims personal information.  LJONES CFA can also provide strategies to mitigate future attacks.
• LJONES CFA has provided Assistance to Victims of on-line harassment and extortion schemes.  While these situations can be reported to law enforcement, LJONES CFA was contracted through the victim’s attorney prior to contacting law enforcement.
• General Data Recovery such as the recovery of accidentally deleted sentimental photos or confidential information from digital devices.
• Secure Erasure of data from older, outdated digital devices which are being replaced by newer devices.  LJONES CFA recommends all data from digital devices to be erased (overwritten) prior to disposal of the device.
• While specializing in digital investigations, LJONES CFA has performed General Investigations such as searching public records and conducting interviews.  These services may often be perform in concert with digital investigations.  LJONES CFA does not offer some General Investigative techniques such as physical surveillance.
• LJONES CFA can provide Training to company employees or civic groups to educate and enable individuals to minimize their exposure to computer related frauds.  These training sessions provide techniques which can be used to better secure data for attackers.

Certifications

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Tennessee and Louisiana

Association Memberships

• International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
• Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI
• InfraGard of Louisiana

Awards

• 1999 Conway LeBleu Memorial Award (Federal Investigator of the Year), Middle District of Louisiana.
• 2001 Outstanding Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case, Middle District of Louisiana.
• 2003 Outstanding OCDETF case, Middle District of Louisiana.

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