Biography
James retired from a 27-year career in law enforcement to work full-time at Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security. Before retiring, he taught as an adjunct professor in Marshall’s Cyber Forensics and Security program. James’ federal law enforcement career spanned 21 years as a Special Agent, initially with the United States Secret Service and later with the Social Security Administration/Office of Inspector General.
Serving as a Team Leader for the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, James initiated and supervised a multi-agency task force that investigated fraud in West Virginia and its surrounding areas. In his role as a Special Agent, he probed myriad cases spanning several states and did a detail as part of the agency’s Electronic Crimes unit. Additionally, James served as a firearms instructor, active shooter instructor, and was a member of the agency’s Firearms Subcommittee, which was responsible for crafting new agency policies and updating existing ones. He also participated in the testing team for the agency’s proprietary case management software.
While with the Secret Service, James completed the Electronic Crimes Special Agent Program (ECSAP). This certification empowered him to perform forensic examinations in both federal and state crime cases, as well as civil cases. As an ECSAP agent, James provided training for federal and state law enforcement officers. Moreover, during his tenure with the Secret Service, he conducted multiple investigations into white-collar crimes and threats against those under the protection of the Secret Service. His duties also took him on national and international protection assignments.
Before his tenure as a Special Agent, James was with the Huntington Police Department. He began as a patrol officer, advancing to the detective unit where he primarily investigated sensitive cases related to crimes against children, sexual assaults, and domestic violence. Later, he moved to the Persons unit, investigating major offenses like murders and armed robberies around Huntington. During his time in the detective bureau, he also investigated arson cases. While at HPD, James also served as a defensive tactics instructor. Concurrently, for eight years, he was a member of the West Virginia National Guard, functioning as a firearms safety instructor and a night vision driver instructor.
James obtained his bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State University with a double major in criminal justice and sociology. James later graduated from University College Dublin with a Master of Science in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation. This is a degree only available to law enforcement professionals. James also has a Graduate Certificate from Marshall University in Computer Forensics. James has obtained his AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE) credentials and NW3C Certified Cyber Crime Investigator certification.
James is proud to join the Marshall University family and is enthusiastic about aiding the Institute for Cyber Security in its mission to become the central hub for cybersecurity in the eastern United States.