A short introduction

About FFS

The FFS team has over 180 years of combined experience working financial investigations for the United States federal government.

Krista Shelton

Krista Shelton, CFE, embodies the essence of professional dedication and excellence. Founder and President of Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC, Krista offers an unparalleled depth of knowledge and leadership, reinforced by over a decade of distinguished service as a Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Her tenure at the IRS, combined with her current role, equips Krista with a comprehensive understanding of financial fraud’s complexities, positioning her as a formidable force in the fight against economic crimes.

Now serving in the private sector, Krista leverages her extensive experience, federal training, and personal dedication to provide clients with forensic accounting services of unparalleled quality. Her leadership guides the firm in unraveling financial mysteries, ensuring that clients receive thorough, accurate, and timely insights to address their most challenging fraud concerns. Krista S. Shelton’s legacy is marked not only by her professional achievements but also by her profound impact on the field of forensic accounting and the broader community she serves.

Krista holds the esteemed designations of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Enrolled Agent (EA), the latter representing the highest credential awarded by the IRS. These certifications are not just titles but a reflection of Krista’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of fraud examination and taxpayer representation.

Krista’s career is highlighted by her adeptness in navigating the murky waters of financial crimes, including money laundering, violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, and intricate tax fraud cases. Her analytical expertise shines through in her ability to dissect complex financial data, drawing from both domestic and international sources to piece together the jigsaw of criminal activity. Notably, Krista’s investigative acumen extends beyond analysis; she is skilled in witness and subject interviews, surveillance, undercover operations, and the execution of warrants, showcasing a versatile skill set in securing justice.

Her hands-on experience in case preparation and courtroom testimony further underscores her role as a critical asset to law enforcement and legal teams. Krista’s recommendations have led to successful prosecutions, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted advisor in legal circles.

Beyond her primary responsibilities, Krista’s leadership extends to the coordination of a financial crimes task force, where she has been instrumental in training members on the nuances of reviewing financial records and conducting thorough investigations. Her contributions to the Midwest Anti-Money Laundering Conference as a planning committee member, speaker, and panelist have enriched the knowledge base of attendees, fostering a collaborative environment for tackling financial crimes.

Before her illustrious career in criminal investigation, Krista honed her expertise and ethical foundation in the IRS Small Business/Self-Employed (SBSE) Division as an Internal Revenue Agent. This role solidified her proficiency in examining Federal Income Tax Returns for individuals and small businesses, navigating complex tax laws and regulations with ease and precision.

Krista’s profound dedication to community service and philanthropy is distinguished by her receipt of the Fred Von Behren Good Citizen Award from the Maryville, MO Chamber of Commerce in 2023. This honor celebrates her unwavering commitment to volunteerism, leadership in charitable organizations, and significant contributions to societal advancement. A vital link to her community and its history, Krista is the sixth generation living on her family’s farm, established in 1856, drawing inspiration from a legacy of service initiated by her grandmother, founder of the Beverly Shelton Girls Town Club in 1972.

In her continued pursuit of creating lasting positive change, Krista holds influential roles on the boards of two non-profit organizations: Lettuce Dream and Second Harvest Community Food Bank. At Lettuce Dream, she champions career education and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, whereas her work with Second Harvest addresses hunger and food insecurity in the region, ensuring those in need have access to nutritious meals. Through her diverse spectrum of community involvement, Krista embodies the spirit of service and leadership, dedicating herself to initiatives that foster meaningful and enduring impacts within her community.

Devon Beckett

Devon Beckett brings a wealth of expertise and an exceptional track record to the Focused Forensic Solutions team. With over two decades of experience serving as a Special Agent and Criminal Investigator for the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Devon has distinguished herself as an authority in complex financial crime investigations. Her career is marked by significant achievements in the areas of cyber and cryptocurrency investigations, anti-money laundering operations, and the enforcement of the Bank Secrecy Act.

At Focused Forensic Solutions, Devon leverages her vast experience and specialized skills to assist clients in navigating the challenges of financial fraud investigations. Her approach combines meticulous analysis, deep institutional knowledge of IRS policies and procedures, and a keen understanding of the complexities of financial fraud, offering unparalleled insight and guidance for our clients.

A founding member of the IRS Cyber Crimes Unit, Devon played a pivotal role in developing and leading high-profile investigations that navigated the intricate web of digital financial crimes. Her work has directly contributed to groundbreaking legal precedents, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency money laundering services. Devon’s investigations have spanned the globe, requiring close cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and resulting in substantial seizures of illicitly obtained assets.

Devon’s analytical talent extends beyond the investigation field; she is highly skilled in preparing detailed financial analyses, uncovering complex money laundering techniques, and drafting comprehensive reports. Her testimonies as a government witness have been instrumental in the successful prosecution of numerous criminal cases, demonstrating her adeptness in bridging the gap between intricate financial data and the legal frameworks that govern financial crimes.

Her leadership capabilities were further exemplified during her tenure as Acting Supervisory Special Agent, where she led teams on high-stakes operations, including search, seizure, and arrest warrants, underscoring her ability to manage and direct large-scale investigations with precision and confidence.

Devon holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University, along with certifications in Global Information Assurance and Chainalysis Reactor, signifying her commitment to continuous learning and expertise in the latest investigative technologies. Her work has earned her numerous awards and commendations, reflecting her dedication to excellence in the field of financial fraud investigation.

Jill Carson-Kuhl, CFE

With nearly 27 years of dedicated service to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a forensic accountant, coupled with over 6 years of experience assisting on financial investigations with the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), Jill Carson-Kuhl has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to unraveling complex financial crimes and upholding the principles of justice.

As a seasoned forensic accountant with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Jill has played a vital role on investigative teams in conducting thorough examinations of financial records, identifying discrepancies, and tracing illicit funds. Specializing in deciphering intricate financial transactions and uncovering evidence of fraud, Jill has been instrumental in numerous high-profile cases throughout her career. Her expertise in forensic accounting techniques, combined with her keen attention to detail, has resulted in the successful prosecution of individuals and organizations engaged in financial crimes.

Jill’s extensive experience encompasses a wide range of financial investigations, including embezzlement, money laundering, healthcare fraud, terrorist financing, and white-collar crimes. Moreover, she played a pivotal role in investigating pandemic-related loan fraud during the global health crisis. Jill led efforts to identify and prosecute individuals and entities exploiting government relief programs for personal gain, ensuring accountability and safeguarding taxpayer funds. Her analytical skills and proficiency in utilizing cu􀆫ng-edge forensic accounting so􀅌ware have consistently yielded actionable insights crucial to law enforcement agencies and legal teams.

Throughout her career, Jill has received several accolades, commendations, and awards for her exemplary service from the FBI, IRS-CI, and other law enforcement agencies. Along with her fellow team members, she was presented with the Office of Justice Programs’ “Office for Victims of Crime – Crime Victims Fund Award” by the US Attorney General. Her commitment to excellence and ethical conduct serves as a testament to her professionalism and integrity.

In recognition of her exceptional skills and leadership qualities, Jill was selected by FBI Executive Management to serve as the Forensic Accountant Program Coordinator in her assigned division. In this capacity, she was responsible for assigning cases to the forensic accountants within her division, reviewing financial analysis reports to be used in court proceedings, and mentoring newly hired forensic accountants.

Jill holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). She remains actively engaged in professional development and stays abreast of emerging trends and advancements in forensic accounting.

Kenneth Klingenberg

Kenneth Klingenberg brings a robust legacy of expertise and integrity to Focused Forensic Solutions, backed by over three decades of distinguished service in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and an honorable 21-year career in the U.S. Army.

At Focused Forensic Solutions, Kenneth applies his unparalleled skill set, seasoned judgment, and disciplined leadership to uncover financial irregularities and guide clients through complex forensic challenges, embodying the firm’s commitment to excellence and integrity.

With two decades as a Special Agent at IRS-Criminal Investigation, Kenneth has adeptly navigated the intricate world of tax fraud, evasion, money laundering, and various other financial crimes, employing meticulous investigative techniques to unearth evidence and prepare compelling prosecution reports. His efforts have substantially contributed to successful prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Offices in both Kansas and Missouri, earning him recognition for outstanding performance, including his involvement in the largest tax case in the Western District of Missouri.

Before ascending to the role of Special Agent, Kenneth honed his analytical and legal skills as a Revenue Agent for seven years, where he conducted thorough to uphold the determinations of tax liabilities. Beyond his IRS tenure, Kenneth’s military service as an Army First Sergeant exemplifies his leadership and dedication, overseeing the training and welfare of numerous soldiers, further shaping his character and professional approach.

Kenneth holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting from Missouri Western State University, complemented by a degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas.

Cheryl Garcia

Cheryl Garcia brings a remarkable depth of knowledge and experience to Focused Forensic Solutions, drawing from an illustrious 40-year career in civil service, including three decades as a Revenue Officer (RO) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Cheryl specialized in hardcore Collection matters, demonstrating an exceptional ability to uncover hidden assets, research ownership or improper asset transfers, and educate stakeholders on the correct financial practices. Her final twelve years were dedicated to serving as a multi-state Fraud Technical Adviser (FTA), where she focused on developing potential criminal tax cases into criminal referrals based on substantial evidential findings.

At Focused Forensic Solutions, Cheryl leverages her profound understanding of relevant laws and corrective measures to advise on mitigating further losses and rectifying improper activities. Her natural curiosity, sharp observational skills, and investigative mindset contribute to her overarching goal of simplifying complex fact patterns to highlight key evidence. Cheryl’s commitment to excellence and pursuit of justice makes her an invaluable asset to our team, offering clients expertise in forensic accounting and fraud investigation that is both comprehensive and refined.

Cheryl’s investigative approach is thorough and exhaustive, embodying a philosophy that knowing when something does not align is the first step toward uncovering the truth. She possesses a unique skill in navigating the complexities of investigations. Her keen curiosity and attentiveness have enabled her to accurately assess individuals’ lifestyles, incomes, and assets.

Throughout her tenure, Cheryl has been recognized for her prowess as an Expert Trial Witness in both Criminal Tax Trials and Bankruptcy Court. Her unparalleled skills have been instrumental to the Criminal Investigation (CI) division and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in preparing for potential plea agreements and trials. Her distinctive abilities have also supported multiple district court judges across the United States in prosecution and sentencing hearings, showcasing her pivotal role in the judicial process.

Maggie Marriott

Maggie Marriott is a highly experienced member of the Focused Forensic Solutions team, bringing over 20 years of dedicated service in the financial industry. Maggie leverages her extensive background and specialized skills to support clients in navigating the complexities of financial fraud investigations. Her dedication to maintaining clear and concise communication, combined with her in-depth industry knowledge, ensures that clients receive timely and accurate insights to address their most pressing financial concerns.

Prior to joining FFS, Maggie held key positions at Northwest Missouri Regional Credit Union, where she served as both a collections officer and loan officer, contributing significantly to the institution’s financial integrity. As a primary point of contact, Maggie was instrumental in preventing fraudulent activities, scams, and other illicit financial practices.

Maggie’s professional journey began with roles in the finance and retail sectors. In 2001, she joined Northwest Missouri Regional Credit Union as a teller, where her career rapidly progressed. Maggie’s extensive experience encompasses thorough training in the Bank Secrecy Act, Currency Transaction Reports, Suspicious Activity Reports, and advanced techniques in fraud detection and prevention.

Educationally, Maggie distinguished herself by graduating with the highest honors from Peru State College in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Business Management. She also demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence as the secretary for Alpha Chi, the National College Honor Society, during that same year. From 2001 to 2003, Maggie furthered her education at Northwest Missouri State University, actively participating as a member of the Epsilon Rho chapter of Delta Zeta.

Patric A. Murray, CFE

Patric A. Murray is a seasoned Criminal Investigator and Certified Fraud Examiner with an extensive background in forensic accounting and fraud investigation.

His dedication and comprehensive knowledge of investigative processes make him a vital asset to Focused Forensic Solutions. His ability to navigate complex financial data with precision and integrity ensures clients receive accurate, timely results. Patric’s work not only helps uncover the truth but also provides closure to those affected by financial crimes.

Patric also serves at the Police Department in St. Ann, MO as a Detective assigned to the Intelligence Unit and the St. Louis Gateway Federal Strike Force, conducting comprehensive financial investigations related to fraud and money laundering, particularly within narcotics cases. During his tenure at the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) from 2001 to 2021, Patric led numerous high-stakes criminal , and his role included assisting government attorneys, preparing prosecution recommendations, and testifying as an expert witness.

As the Founder and President of M6 Consulting Group, LLC, Patric brings over two decades of experience in white-collar fraud investigations, financial crimes, and litigation support. His early career included service in the U.S. Air Force as a Sergeant and Security Supervisor, where he led security response teams and supported Operation Just Cause in Panama City, Panama.

Patric holds a Bachelor of Business in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), a Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) – Certification Pending, a Licensed Private Investigator in Missouri, an Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent, and a Class A Peace Officer for Missouri. His professional affiliations include collaboration with the Department of Justice and various insurance companies, and membership in the St. Louis Gateway Federal Strike Force.

Get Answers.

When fraud is suspected, not knowing the truth is unsettling. The process of investigating financial crime can be overwhelming, frustrating, and exhausting. We help our clients uncover the facts, make sense of the details, and find closure.