With over 15 years of experience, we specialize in providing expert private investigation services for attorneys. Our primary focus is on pre-trial investigations for both criminal and civil cases at state and federal levels. My areas of expertise include:
- Guilt and Penalty Investigations: Assisting defendants multiple types cases including the most serious facing extended incarceration or potential death sentences.
- Medical Malpractice: Investigating claims to support legal proceedings.
- Professional License Disciplinary Cases: Providing evidence for defense in disciplinary actions.
- Civil Matters: Offering comprehensive investigative services to support businesses, including fraud investigations and due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.
At PELICAN RESEARCH, we deliver clear, actionable evidence while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality. Our meticulous approach ensures thorough and tailored investigative services, supporting the legal framework and contributing to the fair administration of justice.
It is very important to understand a criminal record will significantly impact career prospects and livelihood. Research shows individuals with criminal records face barriers to employment, especially in fields requiring occupational licenses. Thorough investigations in criminal defense are crucial, as they help defense attorneys present strong cases by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and challenging prosecution claims.
PELICAN RESEARCH provides specialized services to preserve digital evidence, essential in today's legal landscape. We support defense attorneys by allowing them to focus on critical aspects of their practice.
At the core of PELICAN RESEARCH's philosophy is the unwavering belief in the right to a vigorous defense, irrespective of the accused's circumstances. This principle, coupled with my empathetic approach and commendable work ethic, cements my reputation as a beacon of integrity and excellence in legal investigation. PELICAN RESEARCH stands as a testament to the power of truth and justice, backed by a track record of hard work and outstanding results. References are available upon request.
The PeliCAN Always Finds His Fish!!
Matt J. DeSales (DCA BSIS PI# 28191)27702 Crown Valley Pkwy., D4, #224, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694949.940.6498 | desales@pelicanresearch.com BS Business/Acct.| BA Criminal Justice | POST Certification
It is very important to understand a criminal record will significantly impact career prospects and livelihood. Research shows individuals with criminal records face barriers to employment, especially in fields requiring occupational licenses. Thorough investigations in criminal defense are crucial, as they help defense attorneys present strong cases by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and challenging prosecution claims.
PELICAN RESEARCH provides specialized services to preserve digital evidence, essential in today's legal landscape. We support defense attorneys by allowing them to focus on critical aspects of their practice.
At the core of PELICAN RESEARCH's philosophy is the unwavering belief in the right to a vigorous defense, irrespective of the accused's circumstances. This principle, coupled with my empathetic approach and commendable work ethic, cements my reputation as a beacon of integrity and excellence in legal investigation. PELICAN RESEARCH stands as a testament to the power of truth and justice, backed by a track record of hard work and outstanding results. References are available upon request.
The PeliCAN Always Finds His Fish!!
Matt J. DeSales (DCA BSIS PI# 28191)27702 Crown Valley Pkwy., D4, #224, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694949.940.6498 | desales@pelicanresearch.com BS Business/Acct.| BA Criminal Justice | POST Certification
"Work the problem, the little things matter."
PEOPLE V. JOSE LARIN GARCIA (INF1900265)
Type: Appointed Guilt Investigator Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: Counts 4 PC §187(A) [Murder] / CondemnedJose Vladimir Larin-Garcia was sentenced to death for the second time in February 2024 for the 2019 Palm Springs murders. The judge upheld the jury's decision, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crimes. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, worked on this case, providing extensive fact and mitigation investigations. My role assisted counsel in preparing a defense by drafting a comprehensive timeline of events, reviewing forensic data from extracted via Cellebrite / Graykey devices to investigate a potential third party who alleged he was the actual shooter, and locating and interviewing several witnesses in and out of the State of California. The first trial ended in a hung jury, but in the retrial, all 12 jurors found the defendant guilty.PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (NOT FILED)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Misdemeanor Disposition: Allegations Battery / RejectedContacted by private legal counsel and instructed to conduct immediate defense interview of an alleged victim of §243 (e) (1) PC [BATTERY]. Conducted investigation of allegations of criminal conduct in less than 24 hours. Identified, preserved, and collected evidence which convinced the DDA to reject filing the case. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, is often hired to conduct investigations and interviews prior to the DDA filing charges.- PEOPLE V. ANTON MICHEAL KUBICA (INF1401360)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: 25 years-to-life Disposition: Count 1 PC §187(A) [Murder] / Convicted LWPPAnton Michael Kubica was a cold case involving the 1990 murder of an elderly woman. Kubica and his wife, killed the woman and buried her near Palm Springs, later forging documents to transfer her funds into an offshore account. Kubica was extradited from Canada to California in 2018. In November 2019, he was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, conducted the guilt investigation, which included locating archived records and interviewing witnesses both domestically and internationally.
PEOPLE V. CRISTIN CONRAD SMITH (INF1600755)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: 2 Count PC §187(A) [Murder] / Convicted LWPPCristin Conrad Smith, an Army Ranger, was convicted for his role in the 2006 Pinyon Pines triple homicide. He and Robert Lars Pape were found guilty of the murders, with the victims discovered in their burning home, and one body found in a wheelbarrow outside. Smith was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, and the conviction was upheld on appeal. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, was the appointed defense investigator for this case. My efforts included developing a timeline of events, reviewing cellular data, including cell tower GPS info., researching potential suspects overlooked by DA, and locating and interviewing witnesses.PEOPLE V. JOSHUA STOCKTON (BA477703)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: ±12 years Disposition: Count 1 PC §646.9(C)(2) [Stalking] / ProbationJoshua Stockton was convicted of stalking and violating a restraining order. He was sentenced to probation and required to undergo treatment. Despite these measures, he continued to harass a star actress, leading to further legal actions. Stockton did not serve prison time for the initial conviction but faced additional consequences for his continued harassment. Matt J. Desales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, conducted the guilt investigation on this matter for private counsel. The investigation involved research of available forensic data extracted from the client's devices including further research of IP addresses.PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (17HF1276)
Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Limited + Restitution Disposition: Count 1 PC §594(a)(b)(1) [Vandalism]; Count 2 PC §374.3(h)(1) [Illegal Dumping] / Dismissed, Factual Finding InnocenceMatt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, investigative work product ultimately led to a factual finding of innocence for the client who was being unjustly targeted by government. Federal Civil Case Win $$$.PEOPLE V. JOHN HERNANDEZ FELIX (INF1601497)
Type: Appointed Mitigation Investigator Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: Count 1 PC §187(A) [Murder]; Count 2 PC §187(A) [Murder] Convicted (Others Below) ... / CondemnedJohn Hernandez Felix case in Palm Springs involves a shooting on October 8, 2016, where Felix fired 21 shots at police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. Felix was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted murder, receiving a death sentence and an additional 368 years to life. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, conducted the mitigation investigation in this case. Specifically, gathering medical, social services, vital, education, court, employment, military, incarceration, law enforcement records. And interviewing several family members, teachers, physicians, and past employers ... Counts 3-8: PC §664(E)/187(A) [Att. Mur. Peace] Count 9: PC §30605(A) [Poss. Assault Weapon]Count 10: PC §29900 [Previous Conviction Poss. Firearm]Count 11: PC §30305(A) [Poss. Fire Ammo Prohibited]Count 12: PC §496(A) [Attempt/Unlaw. Stolen Prop.]Several Enhancements + PC §667(A)- PEOPLE V. FRED LEWIS WEATHERTON JR. (INF030802)Type: Appointed Mitigation Investigator Potential Exposure: Death Penalty Disposition: Plea AgreementPlead guilty two (2) counts voluntary manslaughter, one (1) count attempted murder and one count robbery. Sentenced 23 years, already accumulated credit time served. Assisted private counsel with the mitigation investigation contacting family members and pulling records to assist counsel prepare a mitigation package. Count 1: PC §187(A) [Murder]Count 2: PC §187(A) [Murder]Count 3: PC §664/187(A) [Attempt Murder]
- PEOPLE V. N. RAM .. (XSEVA116911)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Life Sentence Disposition: Counts (Detailed Below). Counts 1, 4, 5, 7, Convicted, Counts 2, 6, 8 Dismissed, Count 3 Acquitted, / Seven yrs. State PrisonIn the case of People vs. Noe Ramirez, a crime scene at a private residence resulted in two fatalities. The LA DDA filed murder charges along with several other charges. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, conducted the defense investigation, which included interviewing multiple witnesses and physicians for defense counsel. The investigation ultimately led to Ramirez being convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of murder. He was acquitted of the attempted murder charge but was convicted of assault with a firearm. Counts 1: PC §187(A) [Murder], Reduced PC 192(a) [Voluntary Manslaughter] Count 2: PC §187(A) [Murder]Count 3: PC §664-87(A) [Attempt Murder]Counts 4-5: PC §245(A)(2) [ADW Fire]Count 6: PC §245(A)(1) [ADW Other]Count 7: PC §245(B) [ADW Semiauto Fire]
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (19HF1752)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: Multiple Life Sentences Disposition: Counts (Detailed Below) / Counts 1-8 Dismissed; Counts 9-15 Plead Guilty, Received <5 years.This case involved a defendant with two strikes who was allegedly involved in kidnapping and raping an alleged victim. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, investigated and completed extensive timeline and story boards of events over a two-week period. This investigation involved multiple interviews and issuing subpoenas for video footage from over twenty different locations. Additionally, after a comprehensive review of the available discovery, clear gaps were identified in law enforcement's reporting of forensic data associated with the alleged victim's cellular device. Ultimately, investigative work product assisted counsel in preparing a motion that convinced the DDA to instruct his investigators to issue warrants for social networking data not already secured. The results of those warrants shed light on reality. The client, who was facing multiple life sentences, ultimately pled to approx. five years, with two of those years already served in custody. Count 1: PC §261(a)(2) [Rape; Duress; Menace] Count 2: PC §286(c)(2)(A) [Sod. Force, Viol ...]Count 3: PC §287(c)(2)(A) [Forcible Oral Cop.]Count 4: PC §261(a)(2) [Rape; Duress; Menace]Count 5: PC §286(c)(2)(A) [Sod Force, Viol ...]Count 6: PC §287(c)(2)(A) [Forcible Oral Cop.]Counts 7-8: PC §289(a)(1)(A) [Sex Pen. For. Obj.]Counts 9-11: PC §236/237(a) [False Imp.] Counts 12-14: PC §266c [Comm. Sex Fear]Count 15: PC §314.1 [Indecent Exposure]
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (14CF1041)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: ±5 Years Disposition: See Charges Below / Not Guilty, Dismissed All CountsThis case had all the elements of a compelling narrative and appeared to be a complete set-up. Earlier in the year, the client was accused of committing a separate crime, but DDA rejected because evidence confirmed the alleged victim was not truthful. The client, who had angered someone, was attacked at his residence by men in ski masks but managed to escape. Subsequently, while driving home from work, an anonymous 911 call reported an African American man brandishing a firearm while driving. During the ensuing felony stop, law enforcement discovered a gun and a substantial quantity of heroin under the seat. Despite having no prior offenses and presenting a credible account, the client faced serious charges. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, conducted a comprehensive investigation, uncovering critical information related to the 911 call. The investigation revealed that the phone account used for the call was opened and closed on the same day. Additionally, the weapon, which was missing from property evidence, had National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) hits but no DNA linking it to the client. There was also no DNA found on the heroin. These crucial findings were submitted to the DDA. Count 1: PC §25400(a)(1)/(c)(4) [Carry Fire Veh]Count 2: PC §25850(a)(c)(6) [Carry Load Fire]Count 3: HS §11351 [Poss. Intent Sell]Count 4: HS §11352 (a) [Sale Transport]Count 5: HS §11370.1(a) [Poss. Armed]
- PEOPLE V. M. WEL ... (COMTA141271)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: 25 + Years Disposition: Counts 6 PC §664/187a [Premeditated Murder] / AcquittalMatt J. DeSales, DBA PELICAN RESEARCH, conducted the comprehensive investigation for counsel. The investigation of the scene, including witness interviews, concluded that surveillance footage from across the street (yards away) of the actual shooting was reviewed by law enforcement. A deputy used his cellular device to record the video while it played on the screen, but law enforcement did not turn over this cell phone video (Brady). Additionally, law enforcement failed to collect the antiquated DVR system and place the entire unit into custody. They only extracted the video file and failed to realize the system was so old the proprietary drivers were required to play that video. Ultimately, the DDA provided video collected by forensics, which was not functioning, and relied on footage from a street camera located 200 yards away to identify the shooter. My testimony assisted counsel in securing an acquittal.
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (22HM06871)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: N/a Disposition: Count 1 PC §191.5 or §192(c) [Vehicular Manslaughter] - Not Charged / Pled Nolo Contendere 23152(a)(b) ...The investigation revealed that a motorcyclist was traveling outbound along Laguna Canyon Road at an exceptionally high rate of speed while passing stop and go traffic along the left side. Our client made an U-turn, causing the motorcyclist to collide with the vehicle, resulting in his death. Matt J. DeSales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, assisted defense counsel obtain several videos and generated reports documenting the excessive rate of speed the motorcyclist was traveling, ultimately mitigation any potential exposure to gross vehicle manslaughter.
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (23HM03212)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: N/a Disposition: Count 1 VC §23152(f) [Driving under influence drug] / DismissedMatt J. Desales, (DBA) PELICAN RESEARCH, assisted with the investigation of an incident involving the alleged driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs. The investigation included obtaining video footage of the traffic collision, researching prescription drug history, and interviewing witnesses. This comprehensive work product ultimately helped counsel to resolve the case effectively.
- PEOPLE V. PRIVATE (22WM08032)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: N/a Disposition: Count 1 VC §23152(a) [DUI]; Count 2 VC §23152(b) [+.08]; Count 3 VC §20002(a) [Hit Run Prop. Dam.] / DismissedThe client was accused of drunk driving, which would have been his third offense. However, he was not driving the vehicle from the bar to his residence. Instead, another individual was behind the wheel of the Ford Shelby 500, which was driven at an alarming rate of speed and ultimately crashed at an intersection in a manner reminiscent of the "Dukes of Hazzard." Law enforcement conducted the initial investigation but failed to obtain video surveillance from the bar that would have shown the client entering the passenger side of the vehicle. Often, law enforcement collects only the bare minimum evidence needed to convict, and in this case, the District Attorney's office simply pushed the case along without proper diligence until counsel insisted, they do the necessary work. Additional footage and direct witness interviews later confirmed that the client was not the driver, establishing his innocence in this incident.
- PEOPLE V. F. FELIX (16NF2644)Type: Private Guilt Investigation Potential Exposure: LWPP Disposition: Count 1-3 PC §187(A) [MURDER] + 3 §190.2(a) (3) [ENH SPECIAL CIRCS.] / Guilty LWPPIn the case involving Frank Felix and the Fullerton "Furry" murders, Felix was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder. He and his accomplice, Joshua Acosta, plotted to kill the parents of a 17-year-old girl. On September 24, 2016, Acosta, armed with a shotgun, killed the girl's mother, stepfather, and a family friend while Felix waited outside with the girl. Both men were arrested and charged, with Felix receiving a life sentence without parole. Matt J. DeSales, operating as PELICAN RESEARCH, conducted the defense investigation for private counsel.
PELICAN RESEARCH has been involved in several high-profile cases, providing comprehensive investigative services. PELICAN RESEARCH is recognized for its integrity, work ethic, accountability, transparency, and overall outperformance compared to other agencies. For those who believe our services solely aid defendants, it's important to remember that my reporting is factual and objective, speaking truth to power, holding all parties accountable for their investigations and actions.
- David Paulson, Attorney at LawFor the record, I have engaged PELICAN RESEARCH numerous times to investigate and organize the complicated task of preparing a case for litigation. From his approach to witness interviewing, to his experienced insight into the most complicated legal issue, Matt DeSales is professional, thorough, and most important extremely effective in all phases of litigation. I currently call on Matt and “The Pelican“ exclusively to investigate my criminal cases, and cannot overstate how impressed and confident I am in what Matt brings to the table. Because victory comes most often not from the obvious, but from the intricate Subtleties which expose the provable facts that lead to effective Defense, Matt’s work product has been invaluable in our effort to gain the insight necessary to effectively litigate for our clients and to strengthen their Defense. The Pelican is, and will continue to be a valuable member of our DP Defense team. Simply, huge respect.
- Maa A., PrivateA few years ago we walked into Pelican Research looking for help. we felt hopeless and the light at the end of our tunnel seemed to be quickly diminishing. This is where Matt DeSales came into the picture, he was welcoming, reassuring and gave us hope that everything would be okay. His professional demeanor reflects his years of experience and made us feel confident is his abilities. We knew we were is good hands. When we first started working w/Matt we thought the process was going to be lengthy and complicated, however, Matt made sure that no stone was unturned and within a few weeks, with his expertise, the ball was in our court. Matt went above and beyond the imaginable; he was encouraging and supportive. When we would thank him for everything that he was doing he would say "that it was his duty to ensure that justice was served and his job wouldn't be done until I walked free; so have a little bit of faith and everything will work out just fine." Those words still ring in my ears. He got everything done quickly and efficiently and in the end justice was, in fact, served. We are filled with gratitude for what Pelican Research did for us; the impact that they've had in our lives is immeasurable and we wouldn't trust anyone else. Pelican Rocks!
- Christopher Strobel, Attorney at LawIt gives me great pleasure to write this letter on behalf of Matt DeSales. When Matt told me he was applying for an investigator's job at the Orange County Public Defender's Office my reaction was bitter sweet. On one hand I was extremely happy for him in that I knew what a valuable asset he would be to the public defender's office but on the other hand I was loosing the best investigator I have used since starting my criminal law practice 13 years ago. I was trained as a public defender and worked in the Orange County Public Defender's office for nearly ten years. While working in the office I worked with a number of top quality investigators and can tell you without a doubt that Matt's investigative skill, compassion and intelligence is as good and in many ways better than the best investigators. In the numerous investigation he has done for me, Matt has shown great initiative, intuition and quality of work product. More importantly, Matt has the humility to ask questions, communicate with the lawyers he works with and follows directions. Overall Matt's addition to your office would reap benefits not only to the lawyers he works with, but more importantly to the clients they represent. Should you have any questions feel free to contact me.
- Cleo O., PrivateThis was the first time I ever had to use a service like Pelican and I was very pleased with my results. I worked with Matt Desales who was always on time when we had to meet in court, was very responsive when I needed to reach him by phone and was always pleasant and courteous. Plus, he gets the job done!
- Don Landes Jr., Attorney at LawQuick, thorough, decisive service with quality reporting and written and oral confirmation. Get's the job done and goes the extra mile to ask the additional right question or the difficult to find witness.
- David Borsari, Attorney at LawIt is with great confidence that I present to you this letter of recommendation supporting Matthew DeSales' application for inclusion on the Orange County Public Defender's approved list of licensed investigators. I am a full-time criminal defense attorney and have been operating in Orange County as a solo practitioner for the past twelve years. Prior to that I have spent five years as an attorney with the Public Defender's office in Miami, Florida. During my career I have utilized the services of approximately ten different investigators and can say without hesitation that Mr. DeSales is among the very best. I first became aware of Mr. DeSales early in 2013 when he took the time to introduce himself to me and described the types of services provided by him and the agency he founded, Pelican Research LLC. Among the many services available in addition to general criminal defense investigation were background checks, process service, surveillance, and witness interviews. I made a decision to then call upon Mr. DeSales when my next investigation need arose. On October 2013, I found myself involved in a high-stakes jury trial and in need of immediate unforeseen investigative services. I called upon Mr. DeSales. Mr. DeSales could sense the urgency of my situation and although he was not geographically near my office at the time, made arrangements to redirect himself to my office so that he could converse with me in person. After reviewing my court documents and listening to my request Mr. DeSales came up with a creative and confident strategy for achieving success on my case. He quickly went to work by carrying out the job both personally and with the calculated use of additional subordinates when advisable. As Mr. DeSales began reporting his results to me I relayed selected information to my opposing counsel from the LA County DA's office. These results caused the prosecutor to deploy her own team of investigators and local law enforcement officers in response to Mr. DeSales' findings. In the end, the investigation was critical in diverting the prosecutor's attention from trial advocacy and assuring the prosecution's witnesses did not exaggerate or recklessly speculate in their testimony. Mr. DeSales excellent work helped steer my case to a hung jury which was followed swiftly by a prosecution dismissal rather than a retrial. Throughout my experience with Mr. DeSales I repeatedly received prompt responses to my requests and frequent feedback regarding status and progress. As a former public defender I know that these are qualities hard-working public defenders rely on when utilizing their investigators. To be certain, Mr. DeSales as the most organized investigator I have ever known. My interactions with Mr. DeSales cause me to believe that the credibility surrounding his professional nature and poised demeanor make him an asset on the witness stand in court."
- Stephan DeSales, Attorney at LawMatt is organized, efficient, motivated and willing to go the extra mile. As a result, he became the primary in house investigator for our criminal defense practice. As such he has interviewed witnesses, recorded and transcribed their statements, photographed and diagrammed crime scenes, conducted surveillance, and prepared files for use in court. He is both effective and diplomatic in the performance of these duties. His reports are concise and tightly written. His questioning of witnesses is incisive. His instincts have proven invaluable in assessing the weaknesses and strengths of cases. He's handled investigations in murder, child molestation, burglary, grand theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, sales of narcotics, possession for sales of drugs and marijuana, conspiracy, vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, assault and battery, resisting arrest, spousal abuse, and hit and run cases. Our firm has used several private outside investigation firms over the past forty three years. But I can honestly say that having Matt work in house full time, was not only more cost effective, but the results exceeded the results of the outside firms.
- Stephen Bartol, Attorney at LawMatt DeSales always delivers prompt through service to any request I have sent him, with outstanding documentation of his activities. My clients have always been well served by his dogged determination to get the job done, no matter the complexity of the task at hand. His work has directly led to dismissals of several of my cases or a resolution favorable to my clients. I highly recommend his services. You will not be disappointed in the results.
- Jane D., PrivateIn 2010, our son, 18 years old at the time, was falsly charged with five felonies. Although he was innocent, he found himself in a hostile legal system that seemed determined to lock him up and throw away the key. If this can happen to an outstanding, straight-arrow, scholar-athlete, believe me it can happen to anyone. Sadly, in this country, one is often presumed to be guilty, until he can prove his innocence. In order to prove our son's innocence, an incredible amount of investigation needed to be performed, and this is where the exceptional skills of PELICAN RESEARCH came into play. Matt DeSales worked tirelessly on our son's case gathering the critical information that was needed to build his defense. As an investigator, Matt DeSales is both patient and tenacious. He leaves "no stone unturned." He has a sharp mind, an eye for detail and is incredibly thorough and organized. He has a knack for research, knowledge of the law and he always delivers the needed results. Matt Desales will dig through the details and pound the pavement, doing the tedious footwork that strong defenses are built on. Long story short, the efforts of this private investigator resulted in the total dismissal of all five felony charges.
- David Paulson, Attorney at LawOn a professional note delivered personally from me. I can't tell you how deeply enough how impressed I am by your amazing work throughout a very challenging case. You have been responsive, thorough, and very trustworthy. I have never had a better experience working with an investigator. Thank you for everything. Because of you this case is where it is. Well done Matt.
- Nate K., PrivateWe have utilized Pelican research for a multitude of issues, given complex civil litigation, Fraud research, criminal matters and good old-fashioned gumshoe detective work. The work product of pelican is meticulous, exceptionally well documented and on point. Our firm has retained several other PI agents over the years but none quite like DeSales.
- Jacqueline Goodman, Attorney at LawMatt DeSales is simply the best investigator I've worked with in my 19 years of busy criminal defense trial practice. He is quick, savvy, creative, and fearless, as well as keenly intelligent and thorough. I whole-heartedly recommend him. He's the investigator a defense lawyer usually only dreams of.
- Pat M., PrivateOur experience with Matt from Pelican Research was very professional, knowledgeable and caring. He was prompt with every correspondence and was fully updated on information related to our needs. I would recommend their services to anyone who needs help in life's difficult situations.
- Artemis S., PrivateMatt is great at what he does and very professional. He went above and beyond for our court case and even dealt with a very difficult client on our behalf. Definitely recommend him!
- John M., Private5 stars for Pelican! Extremely professional staff assisted us during an especially hard time and yielded excellent results. We couldn't be more happy with service we received and the one on one communication during the entire process. Thanks Pelican!
- Chelsey P., PrivateDuring the course of a nasty & toxic dissolution my attorney referred me to Pelican Research. He wanted me to outsource an investigator to document the drug/drinking habits of my ex-husband. Honestly, I was weary about involving a private investigator. Matt was very ethical, professional, and empathetic to my needs to secure my child's best interest and safety. Pelican Research was able to capture & document reliable evidence of my ex-husband drinking substantial amounts of alcohol on the nights he had custody. The evidence helped provide the leverage I needed to get what matter most to me, my child.
- Addison Adams, Attorney at LawI've used Matt in my law practice several times and he's been fantastic. Thorough, smart, experienced and fair priced. I recommend him for investigative work and service of process.
- Vince Tucci, Attorney at LawHi Vince, Matt left me a voicemail last night - it made me cry! You and your team were AMAZING!!! We are FOREVER GRATEFUL!! I will recommend you to anyone who needs your services and definitely write you a review!! ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! XXXOOO ... Thank you.
- Private, Pro BonoI had the opportunity to consult with Matt on an investigation case and his knowledge of the legal system as well as law enforcement was impeccable, and his expert guidance helped me to secure and open an investigation (child predator) case with the Sheriff's Department...which normally would have been pushed to the wayside. I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt for 16 years and he is a man of integrity, compassion and truly has a heart of servitude and loves what he does. I would highly recommend Matt and you will not find a better human in this discipline!
- Atty. Steven Finley, Riverside Public DefenderMatt was crucial in a six-count attempted murder trial in Compton, California. His investigation revealed video that was mishandled and never turned over in discovery that was potentially exculpatory. His testimony on the stand was extremely poignant and easy to understand. The end result was a not guilty verdict on all counts. I highly recommend him if you are seeking victory in your case.
- John Barnett, Attorney at LawMr. Matt Desales has worked on several felony cases with me. The clients faced life imprisonment. They involved collecting and analyzing surveillance videos of homes and businesses, thousands of pages of phone records, and hundreds of hours of video and audio-taped interviews. Also, numerous electronic devices had to be examined and categorized for data relevant to the defense. Multiple difficult and uncooperative witnesses had to be located and interviewed. All of this information then had to be collated and integrated into a usable format for use in the defense. Mr. Desales did all of this and created timelines, storyboards, and issue diagrams, displaying his understanding of the facts and legal issues. He has great initiative, follows directions, and completes his assignments on time. He is positive and does not complain. Mr. Desales is one of the best investigators I have ever worked with.
- Vivid Imaging Solutions, PrivateI am incredibly grateful for the exceptional work done by Matt on my case. From the outset, it was clear that he approached the investigation with a well-thought-out plan and a depth of knowledge that was truly impressive. He strategic approach to gathering evidence was not only meticulous but also highly effective in uncovering critical information that has significantly strengthened my case.
Throughout the investigation, Matt demonstrated a high level of professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail. He kept me informed at every step of the process, ensuring that I understood the progress and the next steps. This level of communication and transparency was incredibly reassuring.
What truly stood out was Matt’s ability to anticipate potential challenges and proactively address them, which speaks volumes about his expertise in this field. The results of his work exceeded my expectations, and I have no doubt that this will make a significant difference in the outcome of my case, which it did and was dismissed by the grace of God and his hard work.
I would highly recommend Matt DeSales to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable Private Investigator. His commitment to achieving the best possible results is evident in every aspect of his work. Thank you, Matt, for your outstanding service and for going above and beyond in handling my case.