January 14, 2008

Verification of Billy the Kid.

This is the description of an item that we had the privilege to examine and authenticate for SoldUSA.com based out of Matthews NC. The starting bid for this rare article is $25,000.

"ITEM DESCRIPTION
After considerable due diligence we are pleased to offer to you in this auction the only known signed photo of William H. Bonney a/k/a “Billy the Kid”. This process has taken over five years and we believe we are offering to you one of the best authentications possible. This signed CDV was given to I.D. Image Discovery, Laramie, Wyoming and carbon copied to Dr. Douglas Owsley, Smithsonian Institution. This process was to determine whether or not this was actually a photograph of William H. Bonney. This process was very in depth with all photographs having to score a minimum of 75% to be considered to be the actual person in question. According to Mrs. Long at I.D. Image Discovery this particular photograph scores in the 90% range and as stated in the document other than computer reconstruction or analysis she is 90% positive that this is William H. Bonney. The photo will be accompanied by this original report also. The second step in this process was of course to determine forensically if the signature is that of Bonney. Just this year we were able to obtain the services of Forensic Document Laboratory Inc. Thomas Grogan, President to take this actual CDV and analyze it. His findings are as follows; After scientifically examining the signature with the aid of magnification, illumination as well as optical and measuring devices. (Mr. Grogan) found that there was sufficient evidence in the known handwriting of Henry McCarty; alias William Harrison Bonney; a/k/a Billy the Kid to determine beyond a reasonable doubt that he did write or sign the document in question. He further clarifies that he is clearly convinced with a high degree of certainty that the questioned document was written or signed by William H. Bonney. This signed and notarized document will also accompany the item. Lastly we have sworn affidavit of events given by Angie M. Purcell. This affidavit was an accounting of how her grandfather had won this photograph in the early 1900’s and had given it to her on her 6th birthday in 1926. The letter states that her grandfather won this photo after it was introduced in a poker game by a Mr. Joe Antrim who was a known relative of Billy the Kid. Along with this is a sworn affidavit of Levi Griggs signed on July 18th 2002 from the bedside of Mr. Griggs as he lay dying and at which time he gave Mrs. Purcell a photo of Catherine McCarty Antrim, Mother of “Billy the Kid”. All of which will accompany this photo. Also to accompany this piece will be all of the research gathered over time. This is truly a museum quality piece that has been fully documented. We are pleased to be able to bring such a wonderful piece to the collecting world. The photograph measures 2 ½” a 3 ¾” and is displayed in a screw down acrylic case for protection."

February 22, 2008

FBI Citizens Academy

Thomas Grogan (FDL Inc president and founder) has been nominated and accepted to the FBI Citizens Academy. This is the eighth FBI Citizens Academy to take place in Charlotte, NC. 2008 is also a special year as the FBI is celebrating its 100th year in July. Mr. Grogan joins with other North Carolina area business, civic, religious, and community leaders for an inside look at federal law enforcement and the FBI. We look forward to this as it will further enforce and expand our knowledge of security. The course begins on April 3, 2008.

Some of the areas that are covered include:

• International and domestic terrorism;
• White collar crime, including identity theft, financial institution fraud, healthcare fraud, and money laundering;
• Critical infrastructure protection matters;
• Violent crimes, including bank robbery, crimes against children, fugitives, evidence recovery, and hostage rescue;
• Electronic surveillance;
• Firearms safety, SWAT, and deadly force policy;
• Employment, recruitment, and partnerships;
• Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.