With over two decades as a Federal Agent, Rick has investigated countless criminal, civil and regulatory matters, including violations of export controls, sanctions and regulatory compliance, and has regularly counseled business leaders nationwide concerning U.S. export regulations and internal compliance programs.
During his 22 years as a criminal investigator with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Rick led or supervised dozens of national security-focused investigations involving aircraft, electronics, satellites and other commodities controlled by the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and International Emergency Economic Powers Act. As a recognized subject matter expert, Rick was regularly asked to conduct training across the nation for agents, lawyers and compliance professionals regarding the complex regulations that govern the export of U.S. goods and technology, as well as the necessary elements of an effective compliance program.
For eight years, Rick was the Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office and supervised a dozen criminal investigators and administrative staff. The Washington office handled not only domestic investigations but also foreign investigations involving entities in China, Russia, Ukraine and Iran, among others. Rick’s investigative directives focused on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, illicit procurement by terror-supporting countries, and the unauthorized use of military and government technology.
In his role as OEE Assistant Director, Rick supervised a headquarters staff of 17 supervisory special agents, special agents and intelligence analysts in the Operations Division. This group was responsible for reviewing national security intelligence, technical exploitation and law enforcement support to nine OEE field offices. Rick also supervised agents stationed overseas as export attaches and worked closely with the National Security Council and other interagency partners on proliferation issues and interdiction actions.
As part of Husch Blackwell’s White Collar, Internal Investigations & Compliance team, he investigates civil and criminal matters and provides compliance support to clients.