Investigations · Fraud · Financial Crimes · Analysis

DAKOTA DENNISON

Former Law Enforcement Detective · U.S. Marine Veteran · Business Forensics Student

Former law enforcement detective and U.S. Marine veteran with more than 10 years of investigative experience. My background includes violent crimes, narcotics investigations, financial and property offenses, fraud-related matters, and digital evidence. I'm now working toward a degree in Business Forensics at Franklin University and looking to continue my investigative career outside traditional law enforcement.

Investigations Violent · Financial · Property
Digital Evidence Collection · Review · Analysis
Surveillance Physical · Electronic · Wiretap
Case Development Interviews · Records · Reporting
01 · Profile

Investigative Background

More Than a Decade in Investigations

I spent over 10 years in law enforcement, including time as a detective investigating everything from violent crimes and narcotics offenses to financial crimes and cases involving digital evidence.

My work involved interviewing witnesses and suspects, reviewing records, conducting surveillance, preparing search warrants, and working with prosecutors and other agencies to build cases.

I'm preparing to study Business Forensics at Franklin University. I want to keep doing the investigative work I've always enjoyed: sorting through information, finding connections, and figuring out what happened. My goal is to do that in a non-sworn investigative role.

01
Criminal & Fraud-Related Investigations Felony cases, financial offenses, narcotics, and fraud-related matters.
02
Evidence & Documentation Evidence review, reports, affidavits, warrants, and case files.
03
Investigative Analysis Records review, research, interviews, and identifying connections.
04
Multi-Agency Investigations Coordination with local, state, federal, and regulatory partners.
02 · Experience

Professional Experience

Jun 2023
May 2026
Detective
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office · Criminal Investigative Section
Investigated felony cases involving violent crimes, financial and property offenses, and technology-related evidence. Conducted interviews, processed crime scenes, reviewed records and digital evidence, prepared search warrants, and developed cases for prosecution.
Felony Investigations Digital Evidence Records Review Case Preparation
Jan 2023
Jun 2023
Investigator
West Virginia Attorney General's Office
Investigated allegations involving Medicaid fraud, criminal abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation affecting residents of healthcare and assisted-living facilities. Reviewed records, conducted interviews, coordinated with other agencies, and prepared reports and referrals for legal action.
Fraud-Related Investigations Financial Exploitation Records Review HIPAA
Jul 2015
Dec 2022
Police Officer / Narcotics Detective
South Charleston Police Department
Served as a police officer and later as a narcotics detective working long-term investigations into drug distribution and trafficking. Conducted surveillance, interviews, and investigative research. Prepared warrants and reports and worked alongside federal and state partners, including HIDTA task force personnel.
Narcotics Investigations Surveillance HIDTA Federal Investigations
May 2017
Dec 2020
Automated Logistical Specialist
U.S. Army National Guard · MOS 92A
Managed and tracked military equipment and supplies using SAMS and GCSS-Army systems. Maintained records, supported logistics operations, and coordinated equipment accountability.
Logistics Electronic Records Accountability
May 2010
May 2014
Infantry / 60mm Mortarman
United States Marine Corps · MOS 0341
Served in the Marine Corps infantry and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Worked in demanding operational environments requiring teamwork, discipline, and attention to detail.
Marine Veteran Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom
03 · Recognition

Professional Recognition

DOJ

Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office · Southern District of West Virginia · May 2023

Recognition for exemplary service and assistance provided to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

04 · Skills

Investigative Skills & Technology

Investigative Experience

My background is in developing cases, gathering evidence, reviewing information, and documenting findings. I've handled investigations that required careful attention to detail and coordination with multiple agencies.

Case Development · Interviews, evidence, research, and referrals
Records Analysis · Reviewing information and identifying inconsistencies
Investigative Reporting · Reports, affidavits, and case documentation
Fraud-Related Cases · Financial offenses and Medicaid fraud-related matters

Digital Evidence & Research

Technology was a regular part of my investigative work. I've worked with digital evidence, electronic records, surveillance systems, and investigative databases. Those skills continue to be useful as I pursue opportunities outside law enforcement.

Digital Evidence · Collection, handling, review, and analysis
Electronic Surveillance · Technology-supported investigations
Investigative Systems · Case management and records research
Confidentiality · Sensitive information and evidentiary procedures
05 · Education

Education & Development

Starting November 2026

Franklin University

Bachelor of Science in Business Forensics

Incoming student pursuing a degree focused on business forensics and fraud-related investigations. My goal is to build on my law enforcement experience and apply those skills in financial crimes, fraud detection, corporate investigations, and investigative analysis.

Completed

Full Sail University

Certificate in Information Technology

Foundational information technology coursework supporting my understanding of computer systems, digital evidence, and technology-related investigations.

06 · Contact

Professional Contact

Open to Investigative Opportunities

I'm interested in non-sworn positions involving fraud investigations, financial crimes, special investigations units (SIU), corporate investigations, and investigative analysis. I'm particularly interested in opportunities in the Charleston, West Virginia area or remote positions.

Location

West Virginia, USA