Bernard E. Howard - Owner/Operator

He was the lead investigator in more than 900 criminal cases with the Pennsylvania State Police and while detached to the Federal Department of Justice. As a Private Investigator since 2000, more than 400 investigations have been undertaken and completed.

At the state and federal level, several major cases investigated by Investigator Howard required two years or more of investigative work. They involved locating and interviewing hundreds of individuals. Many of these investigations involved presentments before Grand Juries at both the state and federal level.

These types of investigations included the preparation of large volumes of comprehensive records and reports that required accurate and detailed reporting at all times. In addition, search warrants were prepared and executed for bank records, telephone toll records, medical records and a variety of related subject matter.

Investigator Howard handled complex financial investigations involving money laundering and asset forfeitures. Several of the largest investigations undertaken by the Pennsylvania State Police were initiated by him. These complex investigations required superior investigative skills in areas such as witness/suspect interviews; the collection and proper maintaining of evidence; analysis of records, reports and related case data; and presenting expert testimony.

Throughout his lengthy career with the Pennsylvania State Police, Investigator Howard has been honored for his outstanding criminal investigative work and his work ethic. He was the state police nominee for Officer of the Year on three separate occasions. He was the state police nominee to Parade/IACP Police Service Award twice. He has received Letter and Awards of Commendation from various federal, state and local agencies no less than 16 times.

In addition to his many years as a distinguished criminal investigator, Investigator Howard functioned in numerous investigative capacities that included, Major Financial Investigator, Asset Forfeiture Specialist, and Multi-Agency Task Force Investigator. He also functioned as a state police undercover narcotics officer. His first three years with the state police were spent in uniform as a traffic patrol trooper.

Since November, 2000, Inv. Howard has utilized these investigative skills in the private sector with tremendous success. Limiting his practice to law firms and Insurance Companies and Corporations, he has provided valuable assistance in both civil and criminal investigations. He is recognized as a diligent and highly skilled investigator who provides top-quality assistance in every case.

Philip A. Rickert

Philip A. Rickert holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. He is a trained investigator with more than 25 years of experience with The Pennsylvania State Police, retiring in 2007. Investigator Rickert joined the prestigious Stathill Investigation firm in 2008. During his years of service with the State Police, Investigator Rickert has functioned in various roles and has received training in several different areas of expertise. Investigator Rickert has worked as a patrol unit trooper, patrol unit supervisor, crime unit supervisor, background investigation unit supervisor, firearms instructor and first aid/CPR/ AED instructor.

Investigator Rickert has received specialized training in interviewing and interrogation techniques, crime scene investigation, basic and advanced homicide investigation, child death scene investigation, background investigation, evidence collection and preservation, firearms (to include rifles, revolvers, semi automatic pistols, pump and semi automatic shotguns, tear gas and grenade launchers, AR-15, gas masks and body armor), drug investigation and interdiction, advanced accident investigation and fleet motor carrier accident investigation. Rickert has also received training in neighborhood crime prevention, Excel database and holds a license as a certified inspection mechanic.

During his career with the State Police, Investigator Rickert has conducted and supervised many investigations including but not limited to: thefts, burglaries, forgeries, simple and aggravated assaults, rapes, suicides, homicides, motor vehicle accidents and motor vehicle fatalities. Investigations have also included attendance at several autopsies and completion of the myriad of reports that accompany the various investigations. Investigator Rickert has also conducted drug investigations and is well versed in surveillance techniques. Investigator Rickert has also conducted investigations involving domestic situations, sexual assaults, fraud, accidental deaths, death penalty cases and workmen’s compensation cases in the private sector.

Investigator Rickert has testified in court proceedings ranging from speeding tickets to homicides. He has received several awards during his tenure in the Pennsylvania State Police including the Commissioner’s Letter of Commendation and the Purple Heart. Investigator Rickert maintains a high degree of professionalism throughout the scope of the civil and criminal investigative work he conducts.