At Owens & Associates, we are constantly innovating to meet complex security needs.
While the principles of sound investigation and security—including integrity, tireless work and attention to detail—remain the same, technologies and threats are always evolving. Our wide-ranging capabilities meet your security needs today and anticipate your needs tomorrow.
More Than 30 Years of Security Success
After 13 years as an FBI special agent, Wayne Owens launched Owens & Associates Investigations in 1991. He loved his work at the FBI, particularly fighting white-collar crime, and he was able to travel the world on assignment. Eventually, though, he prioritized a return home to the city he loved, San Diego. He knew he’d be able to use the skills and network of contacts he’d developed to serve the private sector, including attorneys, insurance agencies and defense contractors. In those early days, he performed asset searches, fraud investigations and executive and personal protection, areas in which his company continues to excel. Over the years, his company’s clients have always benefited from Wayne’s highly detailed, professional, fair-minded and personable style. His work and that of his team is of premium quality, never cutting corners nor leaving any stone unturned.
Meet Our Team
Owens & Associates Investigations (OAI) is a private investigations and security firm based in San Diego,
California and is made up of a world-wide network of former FBI agents and other federal, state
and local law enforcement officers.
Wayne Owens
Former Special Agent, FBI
- Managed the FBI’s investigation into the failure of U.S. National Bank in San Diego, CA
- Traveled to the Caribbean Islands and obtained four felony convictions in an offshore bank scam in Antigua and Montserrat
- While assigned to the U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Surveys and Investigations Staff, participated in investigations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the National Reconnaissance Office (one of the nation’s most highly classified intelligence agencies)
- Supervised the Alexandria, VA FBI office’s Iran/Contra investigation and the Procurement Fraud scandal within the Pentagon
Licensed CA Private Investigator and Private Patrol Operator
President/CEO, Owens & Associates Investigations, for 33 years
- Investigated the Lincoln Savings & Loan/Charles Keating scandal on behalf of bondholders who lost over $200 million
- Solved San Diego’s longest serial rapist case, known as the “Room for Rent Rapist” case
- Managed executive protection detail for top level executives of General Dynamics during the Gulf War
- Manages 24/7 estate protection detail for one client and manages event-specific executive protection for numerous clients
Arnie Gerardo
- Inglewood Police Department
- Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Portland OR
- Special Agent, FBI
- Special Agent, U.S. Customs
- Licensed CA Private Investigator
- State Department Foreign Language Certification in Spanish, Level 5
- Specializing in investigative services in Mexico, executive protection, kidnapping and airport security
Nelly Andrade
- Paralegal at Owens & Associates since 2016, managing the background verifications division; performs computer research, court record search vendor management, client engagement, and background report preparation and submission
- Legal Assistant at corporate, real estate, immigration and family law firms in Florida; assisted foreign clients, filed documents in court, scheduled hearings, researched court cases and dockets
- Executive Assistant to the Marketing & Sales Departments of manufacturing companies in Pennsylvania, interfacing with clients in Chile and Brazil
- 10 years managerial experience at two of the largest international law firms in Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Tri-lingual: English, Portuguese and Spanish
Christopher Toledo
Chris has thirty-four years of law enforcement and management experience, which includes substantial experience in VIP/executive protection, site-security assessments and transnational organized criminal investigations with the United States Secret Service.
From 2014 to 2018, Chris was the U.S. Secret Service Diplomatic Attache’ for a nine-country region in Eastern Europe and North Africa.
During his time overseas, Chris was formally recognized by host nation and international law enforcement partners for superior cooperation in criminal investigations, VIP/executive protection and liaison.
Chris retired from federal service in 2018 and is currently the Director of Security Operations & Client Services at Owens & Associates.
In addition, Chris continues to partner with federal agencies to conduct Protective Operations training courses.
Chris is also the Managing Partner of a security consulting firm in San Diego and Orange County, CA.
Chris’s assignments include:
- Agent in Charge – U.S. Secret Service Diplomatic Attaché – at the United States Embassy, Bucharest, Romania, Eastern Europe and North Africa.
- Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Los Angeles Field Office
- Supervisor and Lead Instructor – International Law Enforcement Academies – Budapest, Hungary and Botswana, Africa.
- Counterintelligence and counter-surveillance management
- Threat management, threat assessment & mitigation management
- Member – Fraternal Order of Police
- Member – Latino Police Officers Association
Sandra Yoshimizu-Placak
- Experienced in launching foreign based gaming companies in the heavily regulated U.S. market
- 20 years experience in forensic financial investigations and gaming regulatory compliance
- Expertise in corporate governance, building relationships, negotiations and team leadership
- Fluent in Japanese, Member of International Association of Gaming Advisors and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- Deputized with the states of MA, OH, and the government of Singapore
