Peden Digital Forensics

I am the C.E.O. of Peden Digital Forensics (PDF) located in Spokane Washington. In 2013, together with my wife Carol, PDF was formed. I have been recognized as an expert by Federal, State and Local courts in various areas of Digital Forensics as well as video and image enhancement.  I have testified as a court recognized expert in excess of 60 times in my career.  I have worked hundreds of digital forensics cases since 2004.

Prior to entering my career in Digital Forensics, I began working in the legal field as a Police Office for the City of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho in 1986 and the City of Spokane, Washington in 1989.  I worked as a police officer until 2002 when I made the decision to leave public service and return to school to pursue a career in computers.  My fascination in the digital world began as the field was introduced to the law enforcement environment.

As a result of this decision, I graduated from Spokane Community College (SCC) with an Associate of Arts degree as a Network Engineer in 2004.

Shortly after, I began working as a digital forensics examiner for a company called Global CompuSearch, (GCS).  GCS was located in Spokane WA at that time.  I received hundreds of hours of training in various areas of digital forensics while employed at GCS.  I have obtained numerous industry standard certifications including a Professional Certificate from Oregon State University (OSU) in Digital Forensics, a certification of forensic examiner from New Technologies Institute (NTI) in Oregon, an EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) from Guidance Software, Cellebrite Certified Logical Operator (CCLO), Cellebrite Physical Analyst (CCPA), and Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME).  These certifications require ongoing training and education to remain current.

While with GCS, I was the lead forensic expert in hundreds of cases. Later, I became the Director of Forensic Operations for the Spokane office which gave me the additional task of reviewing casework of other examiners within GCS.  The cases I was involved in varied from business litigation, family law and criminal cases throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

One of my more notable cases was the Tauck v Tauck divorce case which was held in Connecticut.   This was the longest divorce case in the history of Connecticut with the courtroom litigation lasting over 80 days and involved over 13 attorneys and two separate courtrooms.  In that case, Mr. Tauck was found to be innocent of the allegations made by his wife at the time.  This was largely due to the evidence recovered through the digital investigations of the computers in the case.

In 2013, I left GCS with my wife, Carol to start our own company.  Since then we have continually grown into a highly successful digital forensics company serving in federal, state, military, civil and family courts, and attorneys throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

I have been asked to speak at numerous conferences and training for attorneys on the topics of digital forensic topics as well as expert witness utilization.

When I am not involved in forensic casework, I enjoy spending time coaching and refereeing volleyball at the national and collegiate levels.  I also thoroughly enjoy photography and enjoying the country on my motorcycle with Carol and friends.

I am the President of Peden Digital Forensics (PDF) which is located in Spokane Washington.  I began our company in 2013.  I have been recognized by Federal, State and Local courts as an Expert in Digital Forensics throughout my career.  I have worked hundreds of digital forensics cases in my career.

I graduated from Eastern Washington University (EWU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology in 1987.

Shortly after, I began working for the Washington State Employment Security Department.  While working with this department, one of my roles was the education of computer skills to employees of the department.  I was fascinated with computers and soon was very knowledgeable in a variety of areas concerning computer usages.  I was an instructor for 7 years.

I later transitioned into an investigator with the Office of Special Investigations for the state.  While in that role, I was tasked with the investigations of fraudulent claims of employer fraud and claimant fraud. It was here that I obtained my investigative abilities while working with those involved in the claims as well as the various administrative law judges.

In 2006, I left my position and began a career in digital forensics with a company called Global CompuSearch, (GCS).  We were located in Spokane WA.  I received hundreds of hours of training in various areas of digital forensics while employed at GCS and eventually became one of their senior forensics experts.  Later I was promoted to the forensic trainer for GCS. I was the lead forensic expert in more than a hundred cases.  These cases varied from business litigation, family law and criminal cases throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

One of my more notable cases was the State of Florida vs. Dalia Dippolito case. This was a murder for hire case against her husband.  This case was covered by Dateline and Snapped. A portion of my testimony in the case was aired.

In 2013, I left GCS and started my own company with my husband Kevin.  Since then we have continually grown into a highly successful digital forensics company serving in federal, state, military, civil and family courts. and attorneys throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

I have obtained numerous industry standard certifications including EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), Cellebrite Certified Logical Operator (CCLO), Cellebrite Physical Analyst (CCPA), and Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME).  These certifications require ongoing training and education to remain current.

I have been asked to speak at numerous conferences and training for attorneys on the topics of digital forensic topics as well as expert witness utilization.

When I am not involved in forensic casework, I enjoy spending time with my family and puppies.  When the weather is good, you can find me enjoying the country on my motorcycle with my husband.