From Tribune staff reports
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — Based on training received at the National Computer Forensics Institute, Investigator Christopher Johnson was recently recognized by the United States Secret Service, according to St. Clair County Sheriff Billy Murray.
Murray said the Secret Service honors top overall examiners as well as those involved in significant case closures each year.
Johnson’s specialized training in Open-Source Investigation Techniques has been an asset to St. Clair County and outside agencies who also call on him for investigative assistance. His skill set has placed him in the position of being able to assist in the resolution of multiple high-level crimes, especially when it comes to the identification of previously unidentified offenders.
One such instance, according to Murray, involved assistance with the identification of a suspect that was fleeing the state of Kentucky after committing a domestic violence related murder. After a neighboring agency attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by the subject, a pursuit ensued ultimately leading to the suspect crashing and being sent to the hospital.
While at the hospital, the subject continued to refuse to identify himself. That agency reached out to Johnson and requested assistance. Through Open-Source training techniques, Johnson was able to produce a likely identification of the subject which ultimately led to the subject being returned to Kentucky to face justice.
“Like every member of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Investigator Johnson understands and embodies the value and importance of networking and teamwork,” Murray said. “Please join us in congratulating him on a job well done.”