ROB PAINTER, ASE, FL, CFEI, CVFI, CFATE

Phone-1-866-490-1673

Fax-1-800-886-6352

Forensic Vehicle Component Analyst

Diplomate, Board Certified Forensic Examiner
 ASE Certified Auto, Collision, Med/Hvy/Duty Truck Technician
 Forensic Locksmith

 Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner L-5

Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator

http://www.autotheftexpert.com
Email-Robo14@aol.com

As per federal court rules of evidence (702) (Daubert) my testimony has qualified me as:

Auto Theft and Fraud Expert

Forensic Vehicle Analyst

Fire Origin and Cause Expert

 

Qualified to testify as an expert for the Defense in a USAF Court Martial in the areas of Origin and Cause of Vehicle Fires, Transponder System Operation, Ignition Locks, Steering Columns, Auto Theft and Vehicle Burn Debris Analysis.

 

December---2006 Appointed “Special Instructor” for the Darien, WI Fire Department

 

August—2006 Illinois Court  (Cook County) appointed Umpire  (Mediator)

 

 

April-2006 Worked with Brad Stone of Newsweek from San Francisco on a story, which is understood to be published in 5-2006 about insurance fraud related to reported stolen vehicles and the so-called factory installed “Anti-Theft Systems.”

 

July-2004 Assisted San Francisco PD in a homicide investigation involving a reported stolen and recovered burned vehicle.

 

 

September-2004 Contacted by the TV show “Forensic Files” for a potential story to be aired.

 

Robert Painter is also cited in West Law in the case Sailsbury/Davis VS. State Farm

 

 

 

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

 

 

·        Formed the non Profit Forensic Institute on Auto Theft Analysis. Both organizations are

          to set the standards in forensics as it relates to reported stolen vehicles and to provide

          Training to examiners, fire service and law enforcement.

 

·           Founded the “International Association of Forensic Auto Theft Examiners.” Its purpose is to set the standards in the field of determining the last operation of a reported stolen vehicle.

 

 

·            1986 opened Auto Recovery Specialists Inc., providing exclusive repair of theft recovered and vandalized vehicles. The initial concept of the business was to return vehicles to their original shape before the theft, vandalism or fire. In 1987 bought the rights to the theft deterrent known as the “Chicago Collar”Ò.Duties include complete component replacement: dash, stereo system, interior,
locks and coding, rebuilding steering columns, repairing and installing vehicle security system components (factory and after market), engine components, body repair, glass replacement, repair and service of air conditioning components, brake and suspension repair, and replacement, wiring harnesses etc. to return vehicle to pre-theft condition.

·            For 17 years directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft-recovered and fire damaged vehicles.

·            Personally examined and rebuilt thousands of steering columns on both import and domestic vehicles

·            Internationally acknowledged as expert in auto theft including court, consulting with insurance companies, attorneys and law enforcement.

·            Consultant on steering columns, locks, stereo systems and vehicle security for Special Investigation Units for many large insurance carriers during the past 10 years. Consulting services include but not limited to: How a vehicle was last operated (with or without keys in burned or unburned vehicles), Origin and Cause of vehicle fires, and vehicle defects.

·            Provides services as a consultant and researcher to attorneys and insurance companies, and private industry throughout the US in cases related to vehicles.

·            Has worked with crime prevention officers throughout the US establishing training programs designed to protect the public from becoming victims of auto theft.

·            PATENT: 3/21/00 issued patent# 6,039,140 for 8 different variations of airbag anti-theft devices.

 

 

 

PUBLICATIONS

Currently author’s articles and test reports on an ongoing basis for insurance SIUs and the forensic/vehicle fire/theft industry.

v      Published author: Anti-Theft v. Theft Deterrents- Insurance Industry Publication (January, 2006).

v      Published author: The Truth about GM PASSLOCK-III revision (Hypotheses to be considered before rendering a conclusion) (Spring, 2005 IASIU—Insurance Industry Publication)

v      Published author: (1,350 slide training course) Auto Theft/ Fraud Training Course) “The Modern Forensic Approach to Auto Theft Investigation.” (January, 2001)

v      Published author: “Absolute Statements Made By Experts” (Insurance publication-Sept. 2003)

v      Published author: “Locksmiths as Experts Reporting On Stolen Vehicles” (Insurance Publication-August 2003)

v      Published author: “Uncovering The Truth in Burned Reported Thefts” (Insurance publication-August 2002)

v      Published author: “Problems and Solutions in Vehicle Theft Determination” (Insurance publication December 2002)

v      Published author: Master Keys”( Insurance publication- February-2003)

v      Published author: “Variables to Be Considered In Vehicle Fire Investigation after Suppression.” (Insurance publication-November 2001)

v      Published author: “Ford Magnesium Steering Columns and the Results to Ignition Components after a Fire”.  Article for peer review from the fire and forensic community. (November 2001)

v      Published author: “The Truth About GM VATS.” (Article) (November 2001)

v      Published author: “The Truth About GM PASSLOCK TM” (Article) (November 2001)

v      Published author:” Auto Theft Investigation: Hollywood vs. Reality” (Article) (February 2001) For the John Cooke Fraud Report.

v      Published author: (Manual) “Forensic Vehicle Fire/ Arson and Auto Theft Investigation” (October 2000)

v      Published author: (Article) “Petty Claims” for the John Cooke Fraud Report (October, 1998)

v      Published author (Manual) “AUTO THEFT: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN!” (1998) (Previously distributed by Barnes & Nobel)

v      Co-authored the investigation manual, “Surreptitious Entry & Auto Theft & Burn & the Investigator.” (1999)

v      Authored test questions on the subject of steering columns and vehicle security for CFL (Certified Forensic Locksmith) designation to be given by the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths. January, 2000

v      Published author: (Manual) “Saginaw Steering Columns-What Has Not Been Told” Training manual for fire investigators. (March 2000)

v      Published (Article) “Beyond The Lock” (May 2000)

v      Published Author: (Article) Fraud Defense Network-August, 2000 Edition-“Melting Steering Column Tests.” http://www.fraudreport.com/index.cfm?month=08&year=2000

v      Published author: (Test Report) “Burned Toyota Steering Column Testing to Determine How Last Operated”. Tool marks and procedures. (December 1999) Currently at the FBI Crime Lab in Washington DC and the US Army Crime Lab in Atlanta, GA for peer review.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

v      Defeated the “unstealable” Ford Securilock transponder system for a court case 10/10/00. They said it could not be done!

v      Primary designer of a state of the art “bait” car for a police department to catch car thieves.

v      Worked with The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and
discovered a potential fire hazard on a vehicle and determined origin and cause of under hood fires on this type of vehicle.

v      Featured as “Auto Theft Expert” in the A & E auto theft documentary “Stealing Wheels” that aired July 26, 2000.

v      Contacted by Sears and Edelman Marketing to be a national spokesman for an anti theft device for vehicles. (November 1999)

v      Invited to provide evaluation and consulting to steering column engineers at Daimler Chrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI (10/99). The purpose of this project was to demonstrate how steering column locking mechanisms could be defeated without the use of a key and how to reinforce the columns against theft.

v      Court Qualified as an Auto Theft Expert and my videos of defeating columns were also accepted by a Cleveland, Ohio Court in October 1999 as a valid piece of evidence.

v       Contacted by Disney Touchstone Pictures for technical assistance in making the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” (March 1999)

CONSULTANT FOR FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

·         Former contributor for The Insurance News Network (Auto theft and prevention) includes heading a forum for the public on how to protect their vehicles for 3+ years.

·         Former editor and consultant for the public on matters involving auto theft and prevention 2000-2001 on the web at http://www.autotheft_forum.com.

·         The Insurance Career Center (Auto theft and fraud).

·         National Association of Investigative Specialists (Auto theft and fraud)

·         Expert Find (Auto theft and fraud}

 

 

 

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

·         ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Auto: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, air conditioning. Med/Heavy duty truck: gasoline engine repair, electrical/electronic components. Collision: electric/electronic components.

·         SCRS (Society of Collision Repair Specialists) certified in airbags.

·         ICAR (Inter-Industry Conference of Auto Collision Repair) trained.

EDUCATION

·         American College of Forensic Examiners

·         Racine, WI Vocational School

·         Moraine Park Technical School

·         Milwaukee Area Technical School

·         General Motors Factory School

·         AC Delco School 

·         Harnischfeger Corporation

PREVIOUS TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

·         1974-1986 Auto technician and management for Oldsmobile dealerships full
time or part time, on and off for those years.

·         1976-1984-Harnishfeger Corp. (Mining Manufacturer) Expeditor, Assembly, Machinist, heat treat and non-destructive testing: Ultra Sonic Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing.

 

 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

·         WSATTI (Western States Auto Theft Investigators)-Vehicle Tracking Laguna Hills, CA (Jan 2004)

·         NAFI (National Association of Fire Investigators)-Vehicle Fires-Eastern Kentucky University- (Sept and Oct 2002)

·         IAIL (International Association Of Investigative Locksmiths) Atlantic City, New Jersey (June 2002)

·          IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) (5 day seminar) Milwaukee, WI (May 2002)

·         NCRC/ IAATI (International Association of Auto Theft Investigators) Auto Theft Seminar (4 days)- Indianapolis, IN (May 2002)

·         National Association of Professional Insurance Investigators. (November 2001)-Cincinnati, Ohio

·         Electrical Fire Investigation- Public Agency Training Council- Brown Deer, WI (August 2000)

·         Insurance Fraud Seminar –SCIFI- Columbia SC (November 1999)

·         Forensic Locksmithing-ALOA- Cincinnati (July 1999)

·         Bomb and Explosion Seminar -Public Agency Training Council-Racine, WI PD (April 1999)

·         Arson Seminar Public Agency Training Council- Racine, WI PD- (April 1999)

·         Fire Investigation Training Seminar -Myrtle Beach S.C. (October 1998)

·         Public Agency Training Council-Electrical Fire Investigation (August 1998)

·         AVCAW Vehicle Fire Seminar-also taught Plover WI. (May 1997)

·         Vehicle fire training seminar-Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (October 1997)

·         AVCAW fraud seminar-also spoke Wisconsin Dells, WI (November1997)

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

v     Instructor for fire investigators on the methods used on how to determine Origin and Cause of Vehicle Fires. (Parker, Colorado February, 2007)

 

v     Instructor on depositions and court testimony as well as protocol to fire fighters. (Darien, WI Fire Department January, 2007)

 

  • Speaker for Safeco Insurance ---Vehicle Forensics-Vehicle Fires----Indianapolis, IN (May, 2006)

 

 

  • Speaker for MetLife ---Vehicle Forensics-Vehicle Fires----Freemont,  IL  (Feb 2006)

 

  • Speaker for Harleysville Insurance—Vehicle Forensics—Edina, MN (July, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Safeway Insurance—Vehicle Forensics—Chicago, IL (June, 2005)

 

  • Instructor—Litigation Support-Gieco Attorneys-- Speaker for Country Insurance—Las Vegas, NV (May, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Las Vegas, PD—Vehicle Forensics—Las Vegas, NV (May, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Met Life Insurance—Vehicle Forensics—Las Vegas, NV (May, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Country Insurance—Vehicle Forensics—Las Vegas, NV (May, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Liberty Mutual Insurance- Vehicle Forensics as it relates to theft-Naperville, IL (March, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Liberty Ram Insurance- Vehicle Forensics as it relates to theft-Indianapolis, IN (February, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Safeco Insurance- Vehicle Forensics as it relates to theft-Indianapolis, IN (February, 2005)

 

  • Speaker for Apollo Insurance- Vehicle Forensics as it relates to theft –Des Plaines, IL (January 2005)

 

·       Speaker for Bristol West Insurance Company-Auto theft/ Fire and Transponders –Anaheim, CA- (May 2004)

 

  • Speaker for the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) Vehicle Theft/ Fire-Pomona, CA (April 2004)

 

  • Speaker for Geico Insurance Company- Vehicle Theft/ Fire-San Diego, CA- (April 2004)

 

  • Speaker for Geico Insurance Company- Vehicle Theft/ Fire-Las Vegas-NV- (February 2004)

 

  • Speaker for Indiana Farm Bureau—Anti -Theft/ Plaintiff Attorney Arguments (Sept. 2003 Monticello, Indiana)

 

  • Speaker For Regional MetLife Conference – Electronic Theft Deterrents and Plaintiff Arguments (July 2003 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)

 

  • Speaker On Auto Theft And Forensics for MetLife in Naperville, Illinois (March 2003)

 

·       Interviewed as an “Auto Theft Expert” for WBZ Television in   

         Boston, MA (February 24, 2003)

 

  • Forensic Steering Column Analysis. Pacific Locksmith Association-Seaside, OR- (December 2002)

 

  • Auto Theft Methods/ Locks and Columns—American Ambassador-Itasca, IL (April 2002)

 

 

  • Forensic Report Writing Seminar- Illinois Chapter of Special Investigation Units-  (January 2002-Schaumberg, IL)

 

 

·      Auto Theft and Fraud Seminar- American Express Insurance   Company- (June, 2001-Greenbay, WI)

 

·      Auto Theft and Fraud Seminar- (May 2001-NCRC- Iowa)

 

  • Auto Theft/Fraud/Vehicle Fires. San Antonio, TX (November, 2000) This seminar was for continuing DOJ Education.

·         ATLA- (Trial Lawyers) Steering columns and locks. Indianapolis, IN (June, 2000)

 

·         IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators-Florida Chapter) Advanced Vehicle Fire and lock investigations. Tallahassee FL. (June, 2000)

 

  • IAIL (International Association of Investigative Locksmiths) Steering columns and locks. Egg Harbor, NJ (May 2000)

 

  • SCLA (South Carolina Locksmiths Association) Steering columns and locks. Columbia, SC (April 2000)

 

  • Baltimore County Regional Auto Theft Team Subject: Auto theft   Baltimore, MD (March, 2000)

 

  • Speaker for Daimler Chrysler Corporation Topic: How to increase security in their vehicles. (October 1999}

·     Guest speaker at two seminars for AVCAW (Anti-Vehicle Crime                                        Association of Wisconsin) composed of law enforcement and insurance personnel.  Topic: “What to look for in auto theft” (October 1995).

·    Speaker for IAATI (International Association of Auto Theft Investigators) for 300 law enforcement and insurance personnel on steering columns and locks. (May 1996)

·     Speaker for State Farm field damage appraisers on how to detect fraud in an auto theft claim. (July 1996)

·     Speaker for the Sentry Insurance claims office in Stevens Point, WI to train adjusters on what to look for in a fraud claim. (Sept. 1996)

 

MEMBERSHIPS

·         IAFATE       International Association of Forensic Auto Theft  Examiners

·         IAAI             International Association of Arson Investigators (Multiple chapter membership)

·         IAATI          International Association of Auto Theft     Investigators

·         NCRC          North Central Regional Chapter of IAATI

·         IATN           International Automotive Technicians Network

·         SCIFI           South Carolina Insurance Fraud Investigators

·         NAFI           National Association of Fire Investigators

 

 

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