Forensics Expert Witnesses

Principle Forensics is a national Media Forensics Laboratory. They Recover, Authenticate, Enhance, and Analyze all types of recorded evidence, including Video, Audio, and Digital Images. Principle Forensics backs all their work with experienced, highly trained, expert testimony.

Nick Barreiro, BAC, AVFA, DIVRT, AFCE, Chief Forensic Analyst, is a Certified Audio Video Forensic Analyst and an FBI-trained member of the Digital Imaging and Video Recovery Team. During his 15-year law enforcement career, he was a patrol sergeant, technology project manager, media forensics expert, detective, digital evidence specialist, and patrol officer. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Mr. Barreiro was an audio engineer and producer in California. He also worked for KBMB radio in Sacramento and has extensive experience and training in audio enhancement and analysis.

Mr. Barreiro works with attorneys representing plaintiffs and defendants in civil or criminal matters in which Audio, Video, or Image Evidence plays a key role. He has tremendous technical knowledge and training, but also extensive experience on the witness stand.

Mr. Barreiro has conducted hundreds of forensic audio, video, and image investigations in the United States and internationally. He has enhanced and analyzed thousands of digital files, ranging from simple slip-and-fall cases and minor traffic accidents to complex investigations such as homicides and officer-involved shootings. He has been court-certified as an expert and provided expert testimony in criminal cases and civil litigation in federal and state court. A highly trained and experienced forensic analyst, he provides technically detailed and precise results with expedited turnaround times.

Video, Audio, and Image Forensics

Evidence Recovery Authentication Enhancement Synchronization Analysis Redaction

Photogrammetry Facial Recognition License Plate Recognition Public / Media Release Court Exhibit Preparation

Ray S. Kim, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Forensic Psychologist. Dr. Kim is also a Board Registered Mental Illness / Substance Abuse Provider, Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association, Diplomate of the American Board of Psychological Specialties, Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, and Fellow of the American College of Advanced Practice Psychologists. 

Dr. Kim is currently the Director of Chicago Metropolitan Forensic Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services where he supervises a team of clinical psychologists and social workers who evaluate the placement of individuals into forensic facilities. He also serves as the Director of Clinical Training at Chicago Metropolitan Forensic Services where he developed and supervises a forensic practicum program which provides opportunities for specialized clinical training in the area of forensic psychology. 

Litigation Support - Dr. Kim has testified in over 50 cases in both criminal and civil court proceedings. He is sensitive to the nature of legal matters, and provides comprehensive, timely, and professional services. Dr. Kim's services are available to attorneys or defendants seeking a qualified evaluator to help support a case, or wishing to obtain a second opinion on a legal matter already in progress. He is skilled in utilizing the field of psychology's most up-to-date assessments to provide recommendations for prosecution or defense teams. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Psychological Evaluations
• Pre-Sentence Evaluations
• Sex Offender Evaluations
• Violence Risk Assessments
• Competency to Waive Miranda Rights
• Diminished Capacity
• Fitness for Duty Evaluations
• Substance Abuse Assessments
• Independent Medical Examinations (personal injury, workers' compensation, disability determination, malpractice)
• Detection of Malingering
• Federal Evaluations (competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility)

View Dr. Kim's Consulting Profile.

Kirk DeLeeuw is a highly regarded and accomplished Forensic Biology and DNA Consultant / Expert Witness both nationally and internationally. He has over 20 years of dedicated experience in Molecular Biology and Forensic Science and is well respected worldwide.

Mr. DeLeeuw's career is defined by a deep technical mastery of DNA analysis, including specialized expertise in interpreting complex multi-contributor samples using Probabilistic Genotyping Software (PGS) such as STRmix. Mr. DeLeeuw is licensed by the Texas Forensic Science Commission. He likewise has a comprehensive understanding of FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements. He applies the standards through meticulous auditing of case files, bench notes, and high-volume electronic data files and images.

Litigation Support - Beyond the laboratory, Mr. DeLeeuw is a seasoned Expert Witness, qualified to provide testimony in Body Fluid Identification / Serology and DNA Analysis across numerous jurisdictions. He has provided sworn affidavits and oral testimony in federal, circuit, and district courts in many states including Washington DC, and internationally in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands. His ability to translate sophisticated molecular biology data into clear, accessible testimony ensures that scientific integrity remains paramount during both civil and criminal litigations.

Mr. DeLeeuw maintains technical proficiency through a rigorous commitment to continuing education, frequently attending the International Symposium on Human Identification and National CODIS Conferences. His hands-on experience spans a wide array of instrumentation, including Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzers and Hamilton robotic workstations, as well as various quantification and amplification kits. This combination of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and proven courtroom experience allows him to provide unparalleled oversight and analysis in the field of forensic DNA.

Areas of Expertise:

Analytical Testing Labs Crime Scene Analysis Criminalistics Demonstrative Evidence/Exhibits DNA

Evidence Analysis and Preservation Failure Analysis Fingerprints Firearms and Ballistics Forensic Anthropology

Background Experience - Mr. DeLeeuw's extensive professional background includes high-level roles across private and public sectors. As a Forensic DNA Analyst at DNA Labs International, he analyzed casework from across the United States and internationally, utilizing advanced PCR/STR-based methods and various chemistries. Prior to that, he served for nearly 20 years as a Forensic Scientist for the Michigan State Police.

George Schiro is a DNA Technical Leader - Forensic Scientist. His duties include incorporating the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) standards, accountability for the technical operations of the lab, conducting DNA analysis using the 13 STR core loci and Y STR in casework, DNA research, forensic science training and crime scene investigation.

Mr. Schiro has worked over 3500 cases and has qualified as an expert over 175 times in 31 Louisiana parish courts, Arkansas, California, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Texas, West Virginia, federal court, U.S. court-martial, and two Louisiana city courts. Has also consulted on cases in 29 states.

Qualified as an Expert in the Following Areas:

Latent Fingerprint Development Serology Crime Scene Investigation Forensic Science Trajectory Reconstruction Shoeprint Identification

Crime Scene Reconstruction Bloodstain Pattern Analysis DNA Analysis Fracture Match Analysis Hair Comparison Forensic Science Training

Setec Investigations offers unparalleled expertise in computer forensics and electronic discovery, providing highly personalized, case-specific forensic analysis and litigation support services to assist in the investigation, handling, and prosecution of computer-related crimes or misuse.

Setec Investigations combines today's most advanced computer forensics and litigation support expertise with a business- and legal-friendly approach, resulting in a sound analytical foundation that carefully balances critical investigative requirements with vital legal and evidentiary needs.

Setec Investigations incorporates a cross-disciplinary team comprised of computer forensic investigators, attorneys, law enforcement specialists, and seasoned business professionals who have established a proven track record of success since 1997.

Services Overview

Setec Investigations possesses the necessary combination of technical expertise, understanding of the legal system, and specialized tools and processes enabling the discovery, collection, investigation, and production of electronic information for investigating and handling computer-related crimes or misuse.

Explore our range of service offerings:

Computer Forensic Investigations

Computer forensics and enterprise investigation services identify, gather, analyze, and preserve electronic evidence to establish a sustainable posture for internal or legal action.

Electronic Discovery

Manage large volumes of electronic data and quickly identify and isolate electronic evidence that is critical to the success of a litigation.

Litigation Support

Legal consultants and attorneys translate litigation issues into strong case strategies that effectively utilize electronic evidence.

Expert Witness

Supports the resolution of security incidents and active litigations by offering impartial and independent expert testimony, opinions, and customized reports in legal proceedings.

David Smith provides advanced forensic audio services—including evidence authentication, analysis, intelligibility enhancement, forensic reports, and expert witness testimony. Backed by over three decades of extensive experience across criminal and civil litigation, he delivers objective, court-ready findings for legal professionals, corporate entities, and private clients.

Core Services: Audio Evidence Examination, Authentication & Analysis, Intelligibility & Clarity Improvement, and Expert Consultation & Testimony

Case Experience: Homicide Investigations & Violent Crime, Corporate Fraud, Sexual Harassment, Employment Discrimination, Labor Disputes, and Family Law

Clients Served: Prosecutors, Defense Counsel, Family & General Practice Attorneys, HR Departments, Insurance Companies, Security Firms, PIs, and Private Individuals

Services Include: Audio Authentication & Analysis: verification of integrity, alteration detection, and scientific authentication of digital and analog media

Audio Enhancement & Extraction: Intelligibility improvement, background noise suppression, and multiple voice separation

Forensic Transcription: Expert preparation of time-stamped forensic transcripts and correction of existing audio transcripts

Consulting & Expert Testimony: Objective expert witness testimony, forensic reports of findings, and litigation support

When You Need to Reveal the Truth of Your Audio, Contact Sound Testimony®.