PI Declassified Radio Show Guest

This morning on April 23, 2020,  I was a guest on PI Declassified radio show.  We talked about one of my old cases: using a snitch can be a fatal error for the prosecution. Darrin Craig was found not guilty for a murder in the first degree. Click listen now for 4/23/2020. I had some free time because of this COVID-19 pandemic crisis. If you have some time give it a listen. Click on the link.

               
Prosecution Use of Snitch Testimony

Better Business Bureau

I am a member of the Better Business Bureau in Phoenix, Arizona with an A+ rating. You can check my profile on the BBB website.  We are proud to deliver quality service to our clients.

2020 Arizona Association of Licensed Private Investigators Annual Meeting

Saturday, January 18, 2020

The AALPI Membership Meeting, Elections, and Educational luncheon was held Saturday, the 18th day of January, 2020. It was held at: Dobson's Restaurant, 2155 South Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202

Topic:      Navigating the AALPI Website 

The internet is an invaluable tool to put yourself out there for clients to find you. An excellent way to do so this as a member of a professional association like AALPI. There is a wealth of information out there for clients and you need to stand out to them to get their phone call. The AALPI website is an excellent way and opportunity to do so.

Roger Biel of 2Geckos Consulting is our AALPI Webmaster. Roger will show you to maximize your presence on our website. Searchability on our website by possible clients is phenomenal. By name, city, or specialty. You can also put in a blurb about your agency with a photo or logo. Learn more ways to catch the attention of potential clients.

I am still the Sergeant at Arms for another year.  This is a great organization for contacts and networking.

Case Study: Capital Murder-Case Dismissed

Case Study:  Capital Murder- Case Dismissed was an interesting case. On September 8, 2018, I am going to present to the AZ Association of Private Investigators at the 2018 AALPI Conference. The conference is going to be held at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel, 860 N. Riverview, Mesa, Arizona.  I am going to discuss this case in detail and explain the mistakes made along the way.

This was a Murder of a 92-year-old man in Eloy, Arizona on September 24, 2009. In 2011, the crime lab identified a trace sample of DNA on the outside screen door. The police arrested Arturo Jimenez in 2013.  He sat in jail for 4 years while his Legal team proved him innocent. Slowly but surely, the state’s case fell apart.  Early on, the police identified three good likely suspects but for some reason, they stopped investigating.  On April 20, 2018, Arturo Jimenez walked out of jail a free man.  Sadly, the victim will not get justice because the police arrested the wrong person.

Frank Dryman Case

Great Falls, Montana

The murder of Clarence Pellet by Frank Dryman in 1951 is being made into a major motion picture in Great Falls, Montana.  I was pleased to be involved in this case in 2010.  I was able to find Frank Dryman under an assumed name in Arizona City. He was subsequently arrested and extradited to Montana.  The parole board revoked his parole and put him back in prison. 

Click on the link for more information.  The Murder of Clarence Pellet

I will keep everyone updated as I find out more information on the progress of the movie production.

Playing Poker for Your Freedom

                                                   

Back Side

Front Side

Are you willing to play poker with your Freedom?  Are you willing to bluff to see if you are going to win?  Individuals charged with a crime should be able to decide if taking a plea is the best choice.  In many cases it might be in the best interests of the client to take the state's offer.  Perhaps, it would be wise to investigate further to see if there is evidence to help a person charged with a crime. Further investigation might uncover additional evidence favorable to the defense that could increase chances for better odds for a no guilty verdict, dismissal or reduced charges. How much are you willing to gamble? 

National Association of Legal Investigators Award

I was honored to receive an award by NALI for an article that I had written for the Legal Investigator.  This was a case where our client was arrested for capital murder along with an accomplice.  He was charged with an additional two counts of criminal attempt to commit murder.  About two weeks before the trial began, the state removed death.  Our client's case went to trial and he was acquitted on all counts.  The state relied on "snitch testimony."  The defense attorney successfully impeached the credibility of his testimony.  The jury did not believe him.  His motivation was to strike a deal with the prosecution so he could get out of jail.  I included the article, The Prosecution Use of Snitch Testimony can be a Fatal Error. It can be found under More Information.

Aerial Photography

I am offering my clients a service in aerial photography.  I can shoot still pictures with incredible detail in 12 mega pixels and 1080 High Definition video.  I recently purchased an updated Quadcopter - Phantom 3 Advanced, commonly known as a Drone. The range is 400 feet high with a distance of about 6,000 feet. 



There are many applications for private investigations such as aerial view of crime scenes, checking assets on property and more. I have already used the done in civil and criminal cases. Google Earth is not clear when you are zooming in.  You are getting incredible detail and great color.  It is considerable less expense to use my service rather than hiring a helicopter. My drone is registered with the FAA as required by law.  Call me for details and reasonable pricing at (520) 560-3547 or email at patrick@coteinvestigations.com.

National Criminal Justice Honor Society

In March 2013, I was invited and elected to the National Criminal Justice Society as a faculty member of Eta Theta - University of Phoenix.  It was quite an honor to be part of this prestigious organization.

What Can Private Investigators Do?

I am always asked this question: What do private investigators do?  First and foremost, a private investigator has to be licensed and bonded by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The following is the legal definition of Private Investigators and what they can legally do.

Legal Definition of a Private Investigator (ARS §32-2401-16)

16. "Private investigator" means a person other than an insurance adjuster or an on-duty peace officer as defined in section 1-215 who, for any consideration, engages in business or accepts employment to:

(a) Furnish, agree to make or make any investigation for the purpose of obtaining information with reference to:

  (i) Crime or wrongs done or threatened against the United States or any state or territory of the United States.
  (ii) The identity, habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, reputation or character of any person or group of persons.
  (iii) The credibility of witnesses or other persons.
  (iv) The whereabouts of missing persons, owners of abandoned property or escheated property or heirs to estates.
  (v) The location or recovery of lost or stolen property.
  (vi) The causes and origin of, or responsibility for, a fire, libel, slander, a loss, an accident, damage or an injury to real or personal property. (b) Secure evidence to be used before investigating committees or boards of award or arbitration or in the trial of civil or criminal cases and the preparation therefor.
(c) Investigate threats of violence and provide the service of protection of individuals from serious bodily harm or death.

 

If a person claims to be a private investigator, you should ask to see their license. There are many individuals running around our state claiming to be a private investigator.  They are unlicensed and should be reported to DPS. The link below will take you to the form.

 

Please Report Unlicensed Activity

Frank Dryman Case

Partners in Motion Inc. in association with A&E Biography Channel produced a documentary on the Frank Dryman Case.  The biography is called the Kid with the Hollywood Haircut. Here is a brief summary of the case.  In 1951, after confessing to the brutal murder of Clarence Pellet in Shelby, Montana, Frank Dryman was sentenced to hang. Dryman's verdict attracts considerable attention and the public outcry results in Dryman's penalty being reduced to life behind bars.  After serving 18 years Dryman is paroled but disappears in 1971. Dryman was found in Arizona City by Private Investigator Patrick Cote after all those years.  He was using the name of Victor Houston.    Here is an interview of Frank Dryman by the media.  I think the updated story was very interesting. 
http://www.wpri.com/dpps/news/strange_news/fugitive-hid-40-years-in-plain-sight-ob10-jgr_3425007

Police Chief Managing Success

My book entitled, Police Chief Managing Success was published and is still available for purchase at Trafford Publishing Company.  This book would be ideal for anyone in the criminal justice field police who is interested in police management.  Learn how a police department really functions through real if examples.  It is a great resource.  This book is available through Amazon.com ,