Early in the process of starting her career here at Lauth Investigations, Valerie came across a claim for approximately $8,500 due to a man named Stephen. After finding the right contact information for him in North Carolina, Valerie called him on the phone. She revealed to him that the assets were from a Death Benefit that belonged to his father Louis, upon his passing.  Louis had passed away quite some time ago. Sometimes, these assets just get lost and forgotten about until our researchers are able to research and find them.

When asked if Lauth Investigations could assist him in getting this money recovered and back to him, Stephen replied, “Even if it were $25.00, I would want the money because I can sure use it”.  This was one of the first moments that Valerie realized the importance of what we do here at Lauth Investigations. We reunite people with what rightfully belongs to them, sometimes at a crossroads in their lives. If $25.00 could help him, think about the impact of the rest of the money, we would be able to return to him. 

While still learning the systems we use at Lauth: Return Assets, Valerie was quick to navigate the process. She learned about how to generate documents, write up the Intake Sheet, find obits, order Death Certificates, order Probate Records, and so much more. It was a real learning experience for Valerie, using many of the same processes she uses today.

Upon receipt of the claim agreement, I searched everywhere trying to find the connection. As a last-ditch effort, I began scouring old phone directories for the city and finally came across a last name that was identical to the claimant’s with just the letter “E” for a first name. That was close enough for me to contact Karen and I finally spoke to Eric myself. He was shocked beyond belief. It occurred to him that that was where his father lived when he was a young man and the “E” also stood for Eric for my claimant, I finally discovered, was actually a Junior.

With this information I was able to submit the claim to the state and it ultimately got approved. I was so excited when I heard the news and immediately called the family to congratulate them and wish them a bon voyage. Well, there was sad news when I called. Karen was crying, saying the check had come that very day but sadly enough Eric had passed away the night before.

Using information obtained with the client, investigators combed these databases in search of property, vehicles, judgements, and other unseen assets. Investigators also checked the Subject’s credit history and pulled information regarding his small business. A criminal background check revealed that the subject had no history of run-ins with the law, and therefore should not have additional court fees or fines to pay in that regard. No other significant investments or brokerage accounts were discovered in the course of the investigation either.

Lauth investigators formulated a plan to insert themselves covertly in their daily operations. A Lauth investigator contacted the Subject(s) and created a ruse in which the investigator required their services for a personal loan. Lauth investigators met with the Subject(s) under a professional ruse with recording equipment on their person. The entire meeting was recorded, and the investigator retained copies of vital documents to the investigation.

Lauth’s private investigators ran a comprehensive background check on the subject and discovered a history of violence and other run-ins with the law. At the onset of the investigation, after investigators had discovered the Subject’s address, investigators made several attempts to service the court documents with no success. Vehicles could not be observed outside the residence, and investigators were unable to lock down a timeline for his daily movements. Investigators eventually had to develop a phone ruse, in which the Subject was contacted by the investigator, and by means of deception, the investigator confirmed with the Subject a time he would be available at his home. When the Subject finally opened the door to the private investigator, he became agitated, and advised that all court documents must be forwarded to his attorney. The Subject provided the address and contact information for the attorney and slammed the door.