The Data Sleuth Podcast

Hosted by Workman Forensics

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Episodes

130

Latest episode

Dec 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Each episode delves into the power of investigation, showcasing how logic and data are used to solve complex crimes and empowering today’s modern-day Sherlock Holmes.

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60 recent

December 3, 202531 min

103. Interviewing the Fraudster with Kelly Todd, CPA, ABV, CFF, CEE & Lindsay Gill, CFE

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "From Numbers to Narratives," guest host Justin Burns, tackles topics including FBI Investigations, Anti-Money Laundering, Family Fraud, IRS Investigations, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we discuss embezzlement cases with Kelly Todd, CPA, ABV, CFF, CFE and Lindsay Gill, CFE. In this episode, Justin, Kelly, and Lindsay discuss:· Interviewing subjects as a team.· Why the setup of the interview space matters.· An investigation into a skimming and credit card scheme, and the creative way the business owner got the subject out of the office during the investigation.· The story of a fictitious revenue case. GUEST BIOKelly Todd is the President of Forensic Strategic Solutions, LLC and the member in charge of investigations. Ms. Todd has a broad range of forensic experience including financial and white-collar investigations, fraudulent financial reporting, accountants’ malpractice, and the calculation of economic damages in a broad range of personal and corporate disputes. She has extensive experience conducting interviews and has secured numerous confessions.Lindsay Gill is the Director of Investigations at Forensic Strategic Solutions, LLC. Ms. Gill has a breadth of experience in data analytics, computer forensics, internal investigations, anti-fraud programs and controls, fraud vulnerability assessments, and investigative financial consulting. She has experience with the latest interview techniques and has secured numerous confessions. Email: kelly@forensicstrategic.com lindsay@forensicstrategic.comLinkedIn: Kelly Todd Lindsay GillRESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Data Sleuth® Dashboard for professionals, visit: datasleuths.com/pro Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensicsCONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFELinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFESubscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

November 18, 202523 min

102. Stories from IRS Investigations with Carla Blake, CPA, CFE

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "From Numbers to Narratives," guest host Justin Burns, tackles topics including FBI Investigations, Anti-Money Laundering, Family Fraud, IRS Investigations, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we discuss IRS cases with Carla Blake, CPA, CFE. In this episode, Justin and Carla discuss:· What is the IRS’ process for investigating fraud?· Investigating tax schemes.· A case story about a 10-year long embezzlement. GUEST BIOCarla Blake is a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner who spent 15 years as an IRS Revenue Agent uncovering unreported income, applying tax law, and locating hidden assets. Her IRS work included complex cases in the Special Enforcement Program (SEP), Abusive Transaction Investigations (ATI), and joint investigations with IRS Criminal Investigation. She brings a rare blend of government and private-sector experience, including roles as a Regional Controller, NASBA compliance manager, and workers' compensation auditor. Her approach is methodical, fact driven, and built for the courtroom.Now the founder of Blake Files Forensic Solutions, a boutique forensic accounting firm, Carla helps attorneys and individuals untangle hidden assets, uncover fraud, and make sense of financial records. When she’s not dissecting bank statements or building case narratives, she enjoys the thrill of hunting down elusive ancestors. Like forensic accounting, genealogy is an investigation into the past—what happened, who was involved, and what the documents, coupled with well founded reasoning and analysis, can prove. Email: info@blakefiles.comLinkedIn: Carla Blake, CPA CFEWebsite: www.blakefiles.comRESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Data Sleuth® Dashboard for professionals, visit: datasleuths.com/pro Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensicsCONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFELinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFESubscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

November 4, 202525 min

101. Crypto Fraud with Brett Johnson, CPA, CFE, CFF, CFI

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "From Numbers to Narratives," guest host Justin Burns, tackles topics including FBI Investigations, Anti-Money Laundering, Family Fraud, IRS Investigations, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we discuss crypto fraud with Brett Johnson, CPA, CFE, CFF. In this episode, Justin and Brett discuss:· How are crypto assets stolen?· Possibly (hopefully) the first time the word “fart” has been used on this podcast.· The investigative approach to tracing cryptocurrency. GUEST BIOBrett is a partner within Eide Bailly’s Fraud and Forensic Advisory Department. Brett has provided fraud detection, investigation, and prevention consulting services for more than 20 years. He has extensive experience tracing, documenting, and identifying employee fraud schemes in all industries, and has provided expert testimony in federal, state and tribal court systems. Brett also serves as an internal control consultant to help strengthen controls over assets. Additionally, he leads Eide Bailly’s cryptocurrency tracing investigations and blockchain forensic services. He has provided training on fraud investigative methods to dozens of organizations and associations across the country. Email: bjohnson@eidebailly.comLinkedIn: Brett A. JohnsonRESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Data Sleuth® Dashboard for professionals, visit: datasleuths.com/pro Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensics CONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFELinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFE Subscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

October 21, 202522 min

100. Fraud Against Family with Tiffany Couch, CPA, CFF, CFE

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, “From Numbers to Narratives," guest host Justin Burns, Director of Operations for Workman Forensics, discusses a broad range of forensic accounting cases from embezzlement to money laundering, fraud against family members, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and investigation. In our 100th episode today, we discuss Fraud Against Family with Tiffany Couch, CPA, CFF, CFE. In this episode, Leah and Tiffany discuss: · What a forensic accountant does, especially in family disputes· Common ways family members defraud each other· Motivations behind defrauding family members· How families—especially aging or blended ones—can protect themselves GUEST BIOTiffany Couch is CEO/Founder at Acuity Forensics, a nationally recognized forensic accounting firm basedin the Pacific Northwest. She has more than 28 years of experience in the field of accounting with the last 20 years focused on forensic accounting engagements. Her expertise is in matters involving fraudinvestigation, forensic accounting, contract and regulatory compliance, internal control risk assessment,and complex litigation. Professional background and experience include audit, tax, and business consulting services for nonprofit, government, and privately held business entities in a range of industries.She has provided expertise as a source to the New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, NPR, and the Wall StreetJournal. She is also a regular contributor to multiple industry publications and has been interviewed byregional, national and international broadcast news stations.Ms. Couch is the winner of the 2014 James R. Baker Speaker of the Year, presented by the Association ofCertified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to honor an individual who has demonstrated the true spirit of leadership in communication, presentation, and quality instruction. She also serves as a faculty member for the ACFE. With almost 75,000 members worldwide, the ACFE is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and the premier provider of anti-fraud training and education.Tiffany is the author of The Thief in Your Company, available at Amazon.com and other online retailers. Email: tcouch@acuityforensics.comLinkedIn: Tiffany Couch, CPA, CFF, CFE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Data Sleuth® Dashboard for professionals, visit: datasleuths.com/pro Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensicsCONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFELinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFESubscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

October 7, 202514 min

99. Money Mules with Joan O'Dowd, CPA, CFF, CFE

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "From Numbers to Narratives," guest host Justin Burns, tackles topics including FBI Investigations, Anti-Money Laundering, Family Fraud, IRS Investigations, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we discuss Government Contractor Fraud, Money Mules, and Data Analytics with Joan O’Dowd, CPA, CFF, CFE. In this episode, Justin and Joan discuss:· A fraud committed by a government contractor.· What are money mules?· Using Data Analytics to take down a sex trafficking ring. GUEST BIOJoan O’Dowd is a former FBI forensic accountant and the owner of Fathom Forensic Accounting LLC, a CPA firm in the Atlanta area that focuses exclusively on forensic accounting. Joan specializes in fraud investigations, asset tracing, and fraud prevention. She is a member of the Fraud and Forensic Services Advisory Council for the Georgia Society of CPAs. Joan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Email: joan@fathomforensic.comLinkedIn: Joan O’Dowd, CPA, CFF, CFE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Data Sleuth® Dashboard for professionals, visit: datasleuths.com/pro Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensicsCONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFELinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFESubscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

September 23, 202527 min

98. Anti-Money Laundering with John Cassara

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "From Numbers to Narratives," guest host Justin Burns, tackles topics including FBI Investigations, Anti-Money Laundering, Family Fraud, IRS Investigations, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we discuss Anti Money Laundering Tactics with John Cassara. In this episode, Justin and John discuss:· The impact of money laundering on the economy.· Common methods criminals employ to launder money.· Tactics being used to combat money laundering.· Why China is currently the largest money laundering threat to the global economy GUEST BIOJohn Cassara began his 26-year U.S. government career as a CIA Case Officer during the Cold War. He later served as a Treasury Special Agent in both the U.S. Secret Service and US Customs Service where he investigated money laundering, trade fraud and international smuggling. He was an undercover arms dealer for two years. Assigned overseas, he developed expertise in Middle East money laundering, value transfer and underground financial systems. Since his retirement, he has lectured in the United States and around the world on a variety transnational crime issues. He has been a consultant for government and industry and has testified as an expert witness before Congressional committees. He is on the Board of Directors of Global Financial Integrity and the International Coalition Against Illicit Economies. He is a fellow at George Mason University’s Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC). Mr. Cassara has authored many articles and six books, his most recent being China Specified Unlawful Activities: CCP Inc., Transnational Crime and Money Laundering. Email: john@johncassara.comWebsite: johncassara.com RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Data Sleuth® Dashboard for professionals, visit: datasleuths.com/pro Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensics CONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFELinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFE Subscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

September 9, 202521 min

97. Stories from FBI Financial Investigations with Chris Quick, CPA, CFF

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "From Numbers to Narratives," guest host Justin Burns, tackles topics including FBI Investigations, Anti-Money Laundering, Family Fraud, IRS Investigations, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we hear FBI Investigation stories with Chris Quick, CPA CFF. In this episode, Justin and Chris discuss:· How the FBI assists other countries with financial investigations.· Chris’ work with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.· Chris’ work since leaving the FBI. GUEST BIOChris Quick has 30 years of federal investigative experience, mostly with the FBI. He has worked as a special investigator with the FBI, supervised the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Acted as the FBI Terrorist Finance Coordinator for the State of South Carolina, and completed terrorism training with the Israel Security Agency in Tel Aviv, Israel. After leaving the FBI, Chris started Quick Group, LLC where he continues to help clients by providing financial investigation services.Email: cquick@quickgroupllc.comLinkedIn: Chris Quick, CPA CFF RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Data Sleuth® Dashboard for professionals, visit: datasleuths.com/pro Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensics CONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFEWebsite: www.spacecoastforensics.comLinkedIn: @space-coast-forensicsLinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFE Subscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

November 19, 202432 min

96. Partnership Disputes with Natalie Lewis, CPA, CFF, CFE

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "Conversations about Fraud," guest host Justin Burns, managing partner of Space Coast Forensics in Brevard County, Florida, tackles topics including embezzlement, collaborative divorce, economic damages, construction fraud, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we discuss partnership disputes with Natalie Lewis, CPA, CFF, CFE. Our conversation includes:· The risks of weak internal controls in business partnerships.· Navigating complex ownership structures when multiple entities are involved.· The importance of documenting everything.· A compelling case study highlighting why silent partners should remain actively involved in their business’s operations and decision-making. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE To learn more about the Investigation Game Education Edition, visit: investigationgame.com Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! GUEST BIONatalie Lewis specializes in forensic accounting and the analysis of economic damages. Ms. Lewis provides expert witness and consulting services in the areas of accounting, investigations, and litigation. She has specific expertise in fraud examinations, asset tracing, and investigating Ponzi schemes and has testified in deposition and trial as an expert witness. Ms. Lewis is experienced in litigation disputes and is often hired by attorneys to assist clients with forensic accounting analysis and other damages and conduct internal investigations. She has participated in numerous engagements in various industries including hospitality, government, wholesale, oil and gas, healthcare, and professional services. Ms. Lewis holds several leadership positions in the accounting and anti-fraud community, such as ACFE Board of Regents Chair, ACFE – Georgia Chapter board member, AICPA CFF Credential Committee member, AICPA CFF Champions Task Force co-chair, board member of the City of Atlanta’s Governing Board of the OIG and Ethics Office, and American Bar Association TIPS Vice-Chair. In 2019, Ms. Lewis received the AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) Standing Ovation Award. LinkedIn: Natalie Lewis, CPA, CFF, CFEWebsite: jsheld.comCONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensics CONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFEWebsite: www.spacecoastforensics.comLinkedIn: @space-coast-forensicsLinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFESubscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.

November 5, 202431 min

95. Data Analytics with Matt Storlie, CFE, CIDA

October 22, 202426 min

94. Economic Damages with Michelle Barton, CPA, ABV, CFF, ASA, CVA

In this season of The Data Sleuth Podcast, titled "Conversations about Fraud," guest host Justin Burns, managing partner of Space Coast Forensics in Brevard County, Florida, tackles topics including embezzlement, collaborative divorce, economic damages, construction fraud, and more. In each episode, Justin is joined by an industry expert to help tell the story behind the numbers and explore the latest in fraud detection and prevention. In today’s episode we discuss economic damages with Michelle Barton, CPA, ABV, CFF, ASA, CVA. Our conversation includes:· What economic damages calculations entail· The nuances of educating jurors on accounting details during trial· The importance of reading and understanding your insurance policy coverage as a business owner· Cases involving differences in international standards and breach of contract instances GUEST BIOMichelle Barton joined HM&M in 2021 as a Senior Manager. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and a Master of Science in Organization, Learning and Technology, both from Texas A&M University – Commerce. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in state of Texas and has worked in public accounting since 1993. Michelle has been actively appraising business interests since 1997. Michelle is accredited in business valuation (ABV designation) as well as certified in financial forensics (CFF designation) through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Society of Appraisers (ASA designation). During her time with HM&M, Michelle has continued her professional education and earned the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) through the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts, where she is currently serving as a director on the Valuation Credentialing Board. She has performed valuations of closely held entities in conjunction with shareholder disputes, divorce proceedings, estate, gift and income tax planning and compliance, corporate reorganizations, stock-based compensation arrangements, buy/sell agreements, transactions, and compensation, as well as assisted legal counsel in the determination of lost profits, economic damages, and wrongful termination. Email: mbarton@hmpc.com RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODETo learn more about the Investigation Game Education Edition, visit: investigationgame.com Order your copy of Leah’s book, Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations today on Amazon! CONNECT WITH WORKMAN FORENSICSYouTube: @WorkmanForensicsFacebook: @wforensicsTwitter: @wforensicsInstagram: @wforensicsLinkedIn: @workmanforensicsCONNECT WITH JUSTIN BURNS, CPA, CFEWebsite: www.spacecoastforensics.comLinkedIn: @space-coast-forensicsLinkedIn: Justin Burns, CPA, CFESubscribe and listen to this and more episodes of The Data Sleuth® Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, or anywhere you listen.