Ashley Peterson
Belle Plaine
Summary
Professional investigator with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to gather and evaluate information, ensuring thorough and accurate results. Known for effective team collaboration and adaptability in dynamic environments. Expertise in conducting background checks, analyzing large data sets, and maintaining strict confidentiality.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Crimes Specialist
Wells Fargo
12.2019 - Current
- Performed periodic reviews of customer accounts for evidence of suspicious activity or unusual transactions.
- Utilized 314bs to inquire into external institutional sources and usage of suspicious funds via various transaction types, including Visa Money Transfers, Automated Clearing House transfers, checks, wires, Peer-to-Peer transfers, etc.
- Respond to 314as/Law Enforcement inquiries, including a proactive review of accounts and individuals related to Legal Order Process Documents and Keep Open Letters.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of global anti-money laundering legislation and developments in the field.
- Conducted data analysis on transactions to identify patterns indicative of money laundering or terrorist financing activities.
- Monitored accounts for unusual activity that could indicate attempts at illegal financial transactions.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings from investigations into suspected cases of money laundering or terrorist financing. Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR)
- Analyzed customer records, transaction histories, account statements, and other documents to detect any signs of suspicious activity.
- Identified potential violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act, and other anti-money laundering laws.
- Monitored employee progress, offering constructive feedback for improvement.
- Completed background reviews of internal customers/entities, external connected remitters/recipients to include, criminal history, professional/personal interests, employment history, criminal records, court records, private databases (Lexis Nexis), state/county records, OSINT/public sources, internal documents, etc.
Retail Crime Investigator
Target Corporation
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Investigated and assisted law enforcement and internal field partners in a variety of areas, including financial and criminal fraud, forgery, case development and organization, evidence collection, report growth, analytics, live surveillance, etc.
- Helped with training peers in company-owned software, applications, and programs, in addition to Microsoft Office.
- Performed social media and public platform searches to uncover evidence for case gathering and organization.
- Maintained organized records of all information and material pertinent to open investigations.
- Developed and implemented investigative strategies to identify, track, and address illegal activities and misconduct.
- Analyzed vast amounts of data using forensic accounting methods to uncover hidden assets and fraudulent transactions.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to support criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Agencies included USPS, FBI, USSS, local LE, etc.
- Explored alternative investigative methods when traditional ones proved ineffective.
- Coordinated with cybersecurity teams to investigate and respond to incidents involving digital fraud and data breaches.
Records Technician
Shakopee Police Department
01.2016 - 09.2016
- This employment was a temporary position which was extended due to proficient completion of an internship related to the completion my Bachelor's degree
- Audited existing records to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to archiving.
- Compiled records and prepared reports of findings.
- Updated indexes and file data for legal and official documents.
- Managed the destruction of confidential records according to company policy.
- Processed requests for access to confidential information according to applicable laws and regulations.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Updated recordkeeping policies and procedures to reflect changes in legislation or business needs.
- Proofread documents carefully to check accuracy and completeness of all paperwork.
- Transcribed police interviews for use in future court hearings.
- Completed case organizations for investigator cases to include evidence gathering, background, etc.
- Retrieved files from automated databases for review or updating.
- Handled incoming calls and directed callers to appropriate department or employee.
- Entered data and prepared documents, spreadsheets, reports and other materials.
- Scanned paper documents into electronic format for storage in computer databases.
Lead Cashier/Assistant Bookkeeper
Bobby & Steve's Auto World
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: Twin Cities-based service station.
- Conducted weekly inventory checks to ensure product availability for customers.
- Responsible for opening and closing registers accurately according to established procedures.
- Processed returned merchandise by strictly following store return and exchange procedures.
- Performed merchandising and signage updates during weekly and seasonal promotional changes.
- Greeted customers promptly and responded to questions.
- Rectified discrepancies between accounting records and cash drawer by researching daily transactions to pinpoint issues.
- Verified customer age requirement for alcohol or tobacco purchases.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly while remaining professional in challenging situations.
- I oversaw a team of gas station attendants and performed duties like providing excellent customer service, cleaning, till reconciliation and key holder duties
- Completed daily QuickBooks reconciliations, payroll, accounts payable/receivables, data entry, ATM machine loading, bank runs, etc.
- Completed internal and employee theft investigations.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice
University of Wisconsin
09-2016
High School - Diploma
Bloomington Jefferson
06-2009
Skills
- Communication
- Microsoft Office
- Time Management
- Problem-Solving
- Dispute Resolution
- Know your customer
- Enhanced due diligence
- Bank secrecy act compliance
- Suspicious activity reporting
- Transaction monitoring
- Evidence gathering
- AML regulations expertise
- USA PATRIOT act
- Cross-border investigations
- Quickbooks
- Lexis Nexis/public search engines
- Legal research
- Customer due diligence
- Identity verification
- Investigation techniques
- Cross-border transactions
- Fraud detection
- Time management
- Detailed report writing
- Multitasking
- Organizational skills
- Case documentation
Accomplishments
Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification achieved in March 2025
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Financial Crimes Specialist
Wells Fargo
12.2019 - Current
Retail Crime Investigator
Target Corporation
01.2017 - 12.2019
Records Technician
Shakopee Police Department
01.2016 - 09.2016
Lead Cashier/Assistant Bookkeeper
Bobby & Steve's Auto World
01.2007 - 01.2015
High School - Diploma
Bloomington Jefferson
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice
University of Wisconsin