Jacob Blanchette Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Manage 16 HSI Special Agents and Auditors. Lead national security case investigations with top secret/classified information. Liaise with FBI supervisors and members of HSI National Security Division headquarters. • Identified to lead newly created unit; quickly established clear objectives, expectations and training practices utilizing Subject Matter Experts (SME). Managed unique HQ initiative resulting in recognition as the only HSI office to complete all assigned cases within allotted timeframe.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Supervised largest investigative group within HSI Chicago totaling 19 HSI Special Agents, Auditors, Intelligence Research Specialist and Compliance Officers. • Oversaw the digital conversion of team protocols, procedures, and methods to support virtual work during the Covid-19 pandemic enabling a work-from-home environment that was forward moving and productive. • Managed civil and criminal violation investigations cases resulting in collection of over $1.1 million in civil fine penalties related to illegal employment of unauthorized workers and employment eligibility compliance. • Created new digital case management process to streamline data collection and maintain quality control that was recognized as a best practice and adopted by other offices throughout the country. • Involved in high profile 2021 initiative to increase the hiring of female agents that identified qualified applicants; conducted interview panels for special agents using scorecard method.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Managed civil and criminal violation investigations including several designated as significant cases. Supervised HSI Special Agents, Intelligence Research Specialists, Investigative Assistants and Task Force Officers from U.S. Department of State/Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/Fraud Detection & National Security Division, U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General. • Collaborated with international shipping companies to identify numerous counterfeit identity documents entering the U.S. from overseas. • Presented training to other law enforcement agencies regarding counterfeit identity documents. • Won funding proposal to purchase significant undercover equipment supporting Chicago office by building a business case showing a successful track record on high profile cases.• Partnered across federal government on numerous initiatives including HSI Headquarters, Identity and Benefit Fraud unit outreach program to increase public profile, and international law enforcement agencies to identify suspects and seize luxury vehicles involved in notable financial fraud case.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Senior management team member who oversaw 4 investigative groups: Document & Benefit Fraud Task Force, Commercial Fraud/ Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement, Counterterrorism & Criminal Exploitation and Child Exploitation & Computer Forensics. Conducted employee incident and misconduct investigations.• Served as Mentor in First Line Supervisors Mentoring Program offering mentee support to improve knowledge base, leadership skills and other attributes.• Oversaw several public outreach efforts including large public gatherings to educate adults and children on safety training to prevent child exploitation and other online crimes. • Conducted thorough employee incident and misconduct investigations to determine if an employee should be recommended for discipline or other type of corrective action.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI):Initiated, planned, and conducted criminal and civil investigations into violations of United States Immigration and Nationality Act and U.S. Code. Worked closely with United States Attorney's Office to develop prosecution strategies and provide sworn testimony in judicial/civil proceedings.• Investigated organizations manufacturing and selling counterfeit federal and state identity documents.• Screened visa applicants for national security/terrorism issues for U.S. Consulate in the Middle East. • Prepared investigative reports and affidavits for arrest and search warrants, developed operational plans and directed execution of warrants, conducted surveillance (physical and electronic); facilitated suspect and witness interviews and interrogations leading to arrests. • Led field training and performance evaluations for junior Special Agents providing techniques and methods to conduct investigations utilizing proper procedures and policy. • Selected to assist with creation of the HSI Chicago, Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force because of historical connections and ability to recruit internal interest across agencies.• Uncovered large international criminal organization fraudulently obtaining 200 plus U.S. passports leading to policy change eliminating passport issuance system vulnerability and enhancing border security.• Investigated multiple large marriage organizations: obtained vital evidence as Undercover Agent into a large Eastern European marriage fraud and human trafficking organization leading to 14 convictions and seizure of $60,000; U.S. investigations led to indictment of 40 plus individuals and arrested defendants. • Conducted Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation leading to indictments of 4 individuals and convictions of all defendants connected to significant terrorist attack and planning of a future attack.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS): Investigated criminal organizations by conducting surveillance using covert electronic surveillance equipment, Undercover Agents and Confidential Informants. Gathered evidence for various investigation types through covert audio/video surveillance equipment, using pen register/trap and trace, and covert GPS tracking devices.

Master Of Science - Ms, Criminal Justice Sciences

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Criminal Justice/Police Science