Thomas Fitzgerald CFE

Executive Director Forensic Accounting Investigative Services

Thomas brings over 35 years of investigative, compliance, and auditing experience across military, retail, and corporate environments. His expertise spans internal audit, ethics and compliance, criminal and employee investigations, anti-money laundering (AML), and compliance monitoring. Thomas began his distinguished career in 1976 with the United States Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist, where he served internationally and rose to the positions of Patrol Supervisor, Assistant Law Enforcement Superintendent, and Police Investigator.

After retiring from the USAF, Thomas transitioned into the private sector with a Fortune 100 retail pharmacy company. There, he held leadership roles including Regional Director of Asset Protection, Senior Investigator in Internal Audit and Compliance, AML Compliance Officer, and Senior Manager of Compliance, Fraud, and Ethics Investigations. He has also led training initiatives for both Asset Protection and Human Resources teams, specializing in investigative techniques and interview/interrogation strategies.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Pastoral Leadership – Newburgh College, December 2020
  • Criminal Justice – University of Maryland

Credentials & Affiliations

  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Certified in the John E. Reid Interviewing Technique & Advanced Reid Technique
  • Certified in Wicklander-Zulawski Interview & Advanced Interview Techniques
  • Critical Incident and Stress Management (CISM) Certified
  • Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Certified – Dauphin County, PA
  • Certified Instructor – Power In Peers Program (National Fraternal Order of Police)

Select Case Experience
Thomas has led complex investigations involving criminal activity, employee misconduct, vendor fraud, financial fraud, and ethics violations. Highlights of his work include:

  • Uncovering and supporting the prosecution of a $14.8 million corporate fraud scheme
  • Partnering with law enforcement to resolve multi-million-dollar supply chain theft cases
  • Conducting root cause analyses and recommending risk mitigation measures following major incidents
  • Identifying $7 million in potential losses through contract and invoice analysis with a national HVAC vendor
  • Enhancing fraud detection protocols and data analytics with a major international Money Services Business during his tenure as AML Compliance Officer
  • Conducted numerous internal investigations, at all organizational levels, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, wage and hour compliance, wrongful termination, and other potential policy and conduct violations.
  • Conducted numerous payroll and travel expense fraud investigations, resulting in substantial recovery and improved internal controls
  • Investigated numerous embezzlement cases resulting in significant recoveries
  • Performed numerous drug diversion cases

Technology & Tools
Thomas is proficient in a wide array of investigative and data analysis tools, including:
KRONOS, WORKDAY, TLO, Western Union systems, Navex Global/EthicsPoint, Ethico/MyCM case management platforms, Hawkeye, Open Eye, and Orchid video surveillance systems, Retail 20/20, Microsoft Office, ACL Data Analytics, and FINCEN/BSA databases.