Our Team
With more than a century of combined experience across military, law enforcement, and intelligence fields, Project Absentis brings unmatched expertise, dedication, and professionalism to every investigation. Guided by integrity, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to the truth, our team applies its extensive training and global experience to resolve even the most complex cases — all with one purpose: to bring the missing home.
We specialize in human trafficking, missing children, kidnapped children and collecting evidence on pedophiles.
Abel M. Peña
Retired FBI Special Agent
Abel M. Peña is a retired FBI Special Agent with 26 years of distinguished service, bringing extensive expertise in kidnapping, human trafficking, missing persons, and transnational criminal investigations. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple FBI divisions, including Chicago, Houston, San Juan, and San Antonio, where he led and supported complex, high-profile cases involving organized crime, bank robberies, money laundering, and public corruption. His work consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice, collaboration, and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Abel’s investigative reach extended well beyond U.S. borders, with international assignments in Chile, Panama, Brazil, and throughout the Middle East. His global experience has given him a unique perspective on cross-border criminal operations and international law enforcement cooperation. With a strong record of leadership, field expertise, and compassion, Abel continues to apply his skills to help locate missing persons and support Project Absentis’s humanitarian mission.
Haden Steed
International Operations Specialist
Haden Steed is an accomplished surveillance specialist with nearly two decades of experience in surveillance and global investigations. Originally from Australia, he has built a distinguished career collaborating with government agencies worldwide, providing specialized training, operational insight, and advanced investigative support. His international work includes traveling to Africa to train local law enforcement in modern surveillance techniques and donating advanced equipment to enhance the capabilities of under-resourced organizations, demonstrating his commitment to global justice and capacity building.
With an academic foundation in criminal justice, Haden has contributed to resolving high-profile federal child kidnapping cases and dismantling international drug trafficking networks. His vast global network and hands-on field expertise bring an invaluable international dimension to Project Absentis, enabling the organization to extend its reach and effectiveness in investigating missing persons cases around the world.
Berkay Mete
Head of Cybersecurity & Open Source Intelligence Gathering
Berkay leads PI Melbourne’s Cybersecurity Department, where he combines licensed investigative expertise with advanced technical proficiency in digital forensics, threat intelligence, and incident response. Based in Melbourne, he specializes in transforming complex online activity into clear, court-ready intelligence while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and precision. His work spans cybersecurity assessments, OSINT investigations, address and contact tracing, and the preparation of legal-grade background reports—each tailored to the unique requirements of corporate, legal, and private clients.
With a methodology rooted in both investigative rigor and cybersecurity discipline, Berkay ensures every engagement is legally sound, evidence-driven, and bias-tested. His process begins with a defined objective and legal framework, followed by proportionate evidence collection under a strict chain of custody. Each finding is validated through independent sources, presented with confidence ratings, and delivered in a format suitable for court or executive decision-making. Beyond intelligence gathering, Berkay provides practical, actionable remediation strategies to strengthen clients’ digital resilience and minimize future risks.
Steve van Aperen
Polygraph Examiner [Lie Detector Test]
Steve van Aperen is one of Australia’s most experienced polygraph ( Lie Detector Test) examiners and a member of the team at *P.I. Melbourne*. In 1996 he became the first Victorian Police Officer to graduate from Western Oregon University (USA) as a certified polygraph ( Lie Detector Test) examiner. He subsequently trained with leading international agencies including the LAPD Polygraph Unit, US Secret Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.
Steve is the Managing Director of Australian Polygraph ( Lie Detector Test) Services and provides polygraph and investigative consulting services to government, corporate and private clients worldwide. He has worked with Victoria Police Homicide Squad and the South Australian Police Major Crime Squad, conducting polygraph examinations in numerous high-profile homicide investigations.
He has also conducted well-known media polygraph ( Lie Detector Test) tests involving public figures and major criminal cases, and is the television host of the crime program The Hunters. Steve is regularly featured across Australian radio and television as a specialist in behavioural analysis and polygraph ( Lie Detector Test) testing.
Adolfo Baesa
Retired FBI Special Agent
Adolfo Baesa is a retired FBI Special Agent with 21 years of distinguished service, specializing in organized crime, drug trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations. Throughout his career, he served in both the San Antonio and El Paso divisions, where he played a critical role in complex criminal investigations that spanned local and international operations. His leadership extended beyond fieldwork, serving as a Training Coordinator, Recruitment Officer, Community Outreach representative, Crisis Management Coordinator, and Certified Undercover Employee, reflecting his versatility and deep commitment to law enforcement excellence.
Before joining the FBI, Adolfo spent eight years with the Midland Police Department, working as both a Patrol Officer and Detective. His extensive background in law enforcement, combined with his investigative and leadership experience, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of criminal networks and operational strategy. Adolfo’s dedication, expertise, and integrity make him an invaluable asset to the Project Absentis team.
Anthony D. Peña
USAF Veteran & Search and Rescue Specialist
Anthony D. Peña is a U.S. Air Force veteran with an impressive 29-year career as a Firefighter and EMT, and over 15 years of experience as a Fire Inspector since 2009. His professional background includes extensive expertise in search and rescue operations, covering a wide range of emergency response scenarios such as confined space and water rescues. Throughout his service, Anthony has demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to protecting lives and ensuring public safety in high-pressure environments.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University and a degree from the Community College of the U.S. Air Force, reflecting his strong commitment to both education and professional excellence. Anthony’s deep operational knowledge, combined with his experience in emergency response and inspection, makes him a key contributor to the Project Absentis team’s mission of supporting critical search and recovery efforts.
Amir Elsayed
Community Liaison & FBI Citizens Academy Graduate
Amir Elsayed is an accomplished private sector professional with strong connections to the FBI’s community outreach initiatives and a deep commitment to public service. A graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, he currently serves on the San Antonio Board of Directors as Past President and as a Director on the National Board, where he actively supports programs that strengthen collaboration between the public and law enforcement communities. Amir also contributes to InfraGard, having previously served as Vice President for the Rio Grande Valley sector, enhancing cybersecurity and infrastructure protection efforts.
A graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in Human Nutrition and Physical Fitness, Amir combines leadership, education, and advocacy in his work. Fluent in Arabic, he is also one of the original founders of the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association, reflecting his dedication to improving community health and well-being. His diverse expertise and civic involvement make him a valuable asset to the Project Absentis team.
Dale Parmer
Former U.S. Diplomat & Intelligence Officer
Dale Parmer is a retired U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Diplomat and Senior Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Operations and Security Officer, bringing over 30 years of distinguished government service. His career has taken him across Washington D.C., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, where he gained extensive experience in international relations, intelligence operations, and diplomatic coordination. Dale has worked closely with the U.S. Intelligence and Law Enforcement Communities, as well as with Foreign Government Partners, to advance U.S. strategic interests and security initiatives.
Throughout his career, Dale has specialized in analyzing political climates, assessing security risks, and interpreting events impacting U.S. policies and global stability. His deep understanding of international dynamics and negotiation strategies makes him a valuable contributor to complex global investigations. At Project Absentis, Dale applies his wealth of global experience to strengthen international collaboration and investigative insight.
Gregory Pratt
Retired FBI Special Agent & Marine Corps Veteran
Gregory Pratt is a retired FBI Special Agent with 22 years of distinguished service in the San Antonio Division, where he investigated complex cases involving White Collar Crime, Government Fraud, Public Corruption, and Domestic Terrorism. Over his career, he also served on the Joint Terrorism Task Force and held multiple specialized roles, including Crisis/Hostage Negotiator, Airport and Campus Liaison Agent, Surveillance Pilot, and Crisis Management Coordinator. His leadership as the Evidence Response Team Leader was instrumental in processing major crime scenes, including those at Fort Hood and Sutherland Springs Baptist Church.
Before joining the FBI, Greg served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and as a Naval Flight Officer, bringing discipline and precision to his investigative work. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington and maintains both Private and Remote Pilot Licenses. Greg’s depth of law enforcement and crisis management experience makes him a vital contributor to the Project Absentis team.
John Delatorre, Psy.D.
Psychological Consultant
Dr. John Delatorre is a licensed psychologist in Texas, Arizona, and New York, bringing extensive expertise in crisis intervention, threat assessment, and trauma therapy. He earned his doctorate from Midwestern University – Glendale, an APA-accredited institution, and has dedicated his career to providing compassionate and evidence-based psychological care. His clinical focus includes treating individuals with severe mental illness, significant trauma histories, and those in need of immediate crisis intervention or de-escalation support.
Dr. Delatorre’s comprehensive training spans psychological and risk/threat assessments, competency and criminal responsibility evaluations, psychosexual assessments, and specialized evaluations for police, public safety, and immigration cases. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a psychological analyst for television news and court shows, offering expert insight into human behavior and forensic psychology. His depth of experience provides essential psychological support to both families and investigations.
Justin Reid
Security Specialist & Former U.S. Coast Guard Officer
Justin Reid is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander (O-4) with over two decades of distinguished service and expertise in corporate security and specialized threat mitigation. With 21 years of experience, he has built a career focused on developing and implementing advanced security strategies that protect organizations from complex risks. His leadership in maritime and enterprise security reflects a deep understanding of operational readiness, crisis response, and strategic planning.
Justin holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Quality Systems Management and an array of advanced certifications, including Federal Boarding Officer, Advanced Boat Force Operations, SWAT, Advanced Sniper, and Helicopter Vertical Delivery. In addition, he possesses a USCG Master 100 Gross Ton License, underscoring his exceptional maritime capabilities. His blend of academic excellence, tactical expertise, and leadership experience makes him an invaluable asset to the Project Absentis team.
Pamela Shank
Senior Investigator
Pamela “Pam” Shank is an accomplished Senior Investigator with the Bureau of Investigative Services under the Inspector General’s Office for the State of Maryland, where she has served since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, combining academic excellence with hands-on investigative experience. Before her current role, Pam worked as a private investigator in both Virginia and Maryland, gaining extensive field experience in case research and evidence collection.
In addition to her investigative background, Pam has over 20 years of experience as an EMT and has volunteered with the Maryland Crime Scene Search Team, contributing to complex forensic efforts. A 2nd-degree black belt and Tae Kwon Do instructor, she embodies discipline, focus, and dedication in every aspect of her work. Pam’s passion for helping others and her commitment to locating missing individuals make her a vital part of the Project Absentis team.
Reesa Hembree
OSINT Specialist
Reesa Hembree is an accomplished Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) expert with a strong foundation in business, auditing, management, and research. As an experienced entrepreneur and business owner, she has developed a keen analytical mindset and an exceptional ability to uncover patterns and connections through meticulous investigation. Her attention to detail and passion for uncovering the truth have driven her long-standing interest in missing persons cases, where she applies her OSINT expertise to locate critical information and leads that others might overlook.
With her background spanning auditing, support, sales, and marketing, Reesa brings a multifaceted perspective to every investigation. Her dedication to thorough research, combined with her strategic problem-solving skills, makes her an invaluable member of the Project Absentis team, contributing precision, persistence, and insight to complex investigative efforts.
Robert F. Alonzo, MS, CFE, PI
Retired FBI Supervisor & Financial Analysis Expert
Robert (Bob) Alonzo is a retired FBI Supervisor with an accomplished career spanning multiple divisions, including the Evidence Response Team, White Collar Crime Squad, Counter-Intelligence Squad, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Before joining the Bureau, he was a Certified Public Accountant and Financial Analyst, bringing strong analytical and financial expertise to his investigative work. During his tenure, Bob served as Supervisor of the Foreign Language Unit within the Field Intelligence Group, overseeing operations that supported national security and complex criminal investigations.
Since retiring from the FBI in 2010, Bob has continued to share his extensive knowledge as a Senior Lecturer in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program at Texas A&M University–San Antonio. A Certified Fraud Examiner and licensed Texas Private Investigator, he remains dedicated to advancing investigative excellence and ethical standards in the field of criminal justice.
Stu Gary
Retired Law Enforcement & Border Security Expert
Stu Gary brings nearly three decades of extensive investigative experience to the team, having served across multiple U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Sheriff’s Department in Texas, the United States Border Patrol, the Immigration & Naturalization Service, and Homeland Security (ICE). Over the course of 28 years, he has developed deep expertise in interrogations, debriefings, interviews, criminal and administrative investigations, as well as tracking, search and recovery operations, and deception detection.
Fluent in Spanish, Stu’s communication skills and cross-agency experience allow him to navigate complex investigative environments with precision and professionalism. His broad background in law enforcement and specialized investigative techniques brings critical insight and capability to complex missing persons cases, strengthening the team’s ability to uncover the truth and deliver results with integrity.
Dr. Yvonne Miranda
Medical Consultant & Pediatric Specialist
Dr. Yvonne Miranda is a board-certified pediatrician with over two decades of experience dedicated to improving children’s health and well-being in San Antonio. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and her Doctor of Medicine from the UTHealth Science Center San Antonio, completing her pediatrics training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Since 2000, Dr. Miranda has built a distinguished career marked by compassion, expertise, and community service.
Her professional journey includes six years at Centro Med Community Health Center, three years at Good Night Pediatrics Urgent Care, and more than fourteen years in private practice as the owner of Pedi Place at Westover Hills. A fluent Spanish speaker, Dr. Miranda combines her medical knowledge with cultural understanding to serve families from diverse backgrounds. Her extensive experience and dedication to pediatric care make her a valued contributor to the Project Absentis team.
Kristina Melton
Private Investigator & Digital Forensics Specialist
Kristina Melton is a licensed private investigator with a strong background in digital forensics and a deep commitment to uncovering the truth in missing persons cases. A graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, she earned her degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology while excelling as a student-athlete. Since graduating in 2019, Kristina has dedicated her career to investigating complex cases that require both technical expertise and compassion, leveraging her forensic skills to assist law enforcement and families seeking answers.
Beyond her professional work, Kristina actively volunteers her time to support missing persons investigations, driven by her belief in justice and closure for affected families. Her dedication extends beyond her career—she’s also a proud mother of three, skillfully balancing her investigative work with the joys and responsibilities of parenthood. Kristina’s blend of analytical precision, empathy, and determination defines her as both a trusted professional and a compassionate advocate.
Craig E.
Retired FBI Special Agent & Army Veteran
Craig E. is a retired FBI Special Agent and U.S. Army Veteran with 22 years of distinguished service in federal law enforcement. Throughout his career, he developed extensive expertise in National Security, Violent Crime and Drug investigations, Domestic Terrorism, and forensic evidence recovery through his work on the FBI’s Evidence Response Team. His investigative experience spans a wide range of high-stakes operations, where he played a key role in protecting national interests and supporting major criminal and counterterrorism efforts.
Craig’s background in both military and federal service has equipped him with exceptional leadership, analytical, and crisis management skills. His commitment to integrity, precision, and teamwork has defined his professional legacy. At Project Absentis, Craig applies his decades of field experience and disciplined investigative approach to help uncover the truth and support families seeking resolution in complex cases.
Our team also includes a diverse network of professionals with specialized expertise and backgrounds, ready to be mobilized and assigned according to the unique requirements of each case.