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E98: Behind the Badge with Pittsburgh's Private Investigator: Integrity, Myths, And High-Stakes Cases

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Manage episode 516040249 series 3675421
Content provided by Leila Carter. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Leila Carter or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

What makes Larry Forletta with Forletta Investigative Security Consultant a good neighbor?

Looking for the truth behind private investigations without the TV gloss? We sit down with former DEA agent turned PI, Larry Forletta, to unpack how real cases unfold, why integrity is non-negotiable, and what clients should expect when the goal is facts that stand up in court. Larry traces his path from Maryland State Police to undercover narcotics and the DEA, then into building a Pittsburgh-based firm that blends disciplined surveillance, meticulous interviews, and targeted research with a clear-eyed approach to timelines and outcomes.
We get into the misconceptions that haunt the industry- no, responsible investigators don’t promise results- and the practical realities of domestic cases in a no-fault divorce state, where asset discovery and documentation often matter more than theatrics. Larry shares how most of his clients come through attorneys and word of mouth, and why he invests time in teaching: safety talks for the public and CLE sessions for lawyers on working effectively with investigators, scoping cases, and maintaining evidentiary quality. If you’ve wondered how to hire the right PI, Larry’s checklist is blunt and useful: verify background, check for complaints, confirm licensing, and choose the professional who invites scrutiny.
We also explore licensing nuances that clients overlook. Pennsylvania issues PI licenses by county, with statewide authority once approved, while Ohio centralizes oversight at the state level. That difference shapes how firms operate and how you should vet credentials. Larry recounts notable work on the Smiley Face Killers docuseries tied to the disappearance of Dakota James, illustrating both the teamwork involved and the sobering reality that some cases resist neat endings. Through it all, one theme holds steady: integrity. It protects clients, builds courtroom credibility, and guides tough calls when evidence is scarce or timelines stretch.
If you value truth over drama and outcomes built on verifiable facts, this conversation offers a grounded guide to PI work, from hidden assets to headline investigations. Subscribe for more local stories with real takeaways, share this episode with someone considering a PI, and leave a review with your biggest question about hiring an investigator.

To learn more about Forletta Investigative Security Consultant go to:

https://fcisllc.com/

Forletta Investigative Security Consultant

(412)719-2112

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Host Welcome And Guest Intro (00:00:00)

2. Larry’s Law Enforcement Roots (00:00:44)

3. Why Start A PI Firm (00:02:42)

4. Myths Versus Real Investigations (00:03:33)

5. Domestic Work And Hidden Assets (00:05:06)

6. Clients, Marketing, And Outreach (00:05:52)

7. How To Vet A Private Investigator (00:06:47)

8. Licensing: County Versus State (00:08:06)

9. Podcasting And Time Tradeoffs (00:09:56)

10. Notable Cases: Smiley Face Killers (00:11:13)

98 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 516040249 series 3675421
Content provided by Leila Carter. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Leila Carter or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

What makes Larry Forletta with Forletta Investigative Security Consultant a good neighbor?

Looking for the truth behind private investigations without the TV gloss? We sit down with former DEA agent turned PI, Larry Forletta, to unpack how real cases unfold, why integrity is non-negotiable, and what clients should expect when the goal is facts that stand up in court. Larry traces his path from Maryland State Police to undercover narcotics and the DEA, then into building a Pittsburgh-based firm that blends disciplined surveillance, meticulous interviews, and targeted research with a clear-eyed approach to timelines and outcomes.
We get into the misconceptions that haunt the industry- no, responsible investigators don’t promise results- and the practical realities of domestic cases in a no-fault divorce state, where asset discovery and documentation often matter more than theatrics. Larry shares how most of his clients come through attorneys and word of mouth, and why he invests time in teaching: safety talks for the public and CLE sessions for lawyers on working effectively with investigators, scoping cases, and maintaining evidentiary quality. If you’ve wondered how to hire the right PI, Larry’s checklist is blunt and useful: verify background, check for complaints, confirm licensing, and choose the professional who invites scrutiny.
We also explore licensing nuances that clients overlook. Pennsylvania issues PI licenses by county, with statewide authority once approved, while Ohio centralizes oversight at the state level. That difference shapes how firms operate and how you should vet credentials. Larry recounts notable work on the Smiley Face Killers docuseries tied to the disappearance of Dakota James, illustrating both the teamwork involved and the sobering reality that some cases resist neat endings. Through it all, one theme holds steady: integrity. It protects clients, builds courtroom credibility, and guides tough calls when evidence is scarce or timelines stretch.
If you value truth over drama and outcomes built on verifiable facts, this conversation offers a grounded guide to PI work, from hidden assets to headline investigations. Subscribe for more local stories with real takeaways, share this episode with someone considering a PI, and leave a review with your biggest question about hiring an investigator.

To learn more about Forletta Investigative Security Consultant go to:

https://fcisllc.com/

Forletta Investigative Security Consultant

(412)719-2112

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Host Welcome And Guest Intro (00:00:00)

2. Larry’s Law Enforcement Roots (00:00:44)

3. Why Start A PI Firm (00:02:42)

4. Myths Versus Real Investigations (00:03:33)

5. Domestic Work And Hidden Assets (00:05:06)

6. Clients, Marketing, And Outreach (00:05:52)

7. How To Vet A Private Investigator (00:06:47)

8. Licensing: County Versus State (00:08:06)

9. Podcasting And Time Tradeoffs (00:09:56)

10. Notable Cases: Smiley Face Killers (00:11:13)

98 episodes

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