Don Vilfer is the founder and a Shareholder of the firm. He specializes in general and complex investigative matters and leads the firm's computer forensics practice. He is ACE certified (Computer Forensics) and attends conferences and classes each year to stay abreast of the latest tools and techniques in the ever-changing world of computer forensics. Don also is an experienced presenter, regularly giving presentations and Continuing Legal Education on aspects of private investigation or computer forensics to professional groups and law firms. Don has extensive experience testifying in state and Federal courts including experience as an expert witness.
Don previously served in the FBI as the Special Agent in charge of the White Collar Crime and Computer Crime Unit in Sacramento. As such, he led investigations of Federal White Collar Crime violations and oversaw the FBI's participation in the Sacramento High-Tech Task Force. Prior to this supervisory detail, Don was assigned to the Washington D.C. Field Office, where he worked such major cases as the BCCI International bank fraud and the Broken Faith case involving public corruption in our Nation's capitol. He later was appointed a Supervisory Special Agent at FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C., leading a rapid-response major case management team at venues from The White House to the Oklahoma City Bombing.
After his tenure in the FBI, Don held the position of Senior Director of Litigation Support and Investigative Services for a large accounting firm in Sacramento. He is a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Law and a member of the Ohio Bar. In his spare time, Don is an avid cyclist, kayaker, cross-country skier and mountain biker, but he most enjoys traveling to adventurous or exotic locales to pursue his passion for
photography.
Pamela Hanback is a Shareholder and Senior Investigator in the firm, specializing in general and complex investigative matters and business background investigations. She leads the firm's information services practice, which provides background research to law firms and companies regarding such diverse topics as witness location, asset searches and due diligence investigations.
Pam is a former federal Special Agent in the FBI's Sacramento field office. For nine years, Pam conducted investigations of white collar crime, including fraud against the government, loan fraud and health care fraud, and participated in multi-agency task forces regarding unapproved aircraft parts and Medi-Cal fraud. She left the Bureau in 2005 to become part-owner of Vilfer and Associates, putting her expertise in fraud investigations to use in the private sector.
Pam is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she obtained a BA in English. She later earned a JD from George Mason University School of Law and practiced law in New Jersey for a mid-sized firm for two years before joining the FBI. When not tied to her computer, Pam enjoys hiking, cycling, mountain biking and reading, and she is active in the cause of
greyhound rescue and adoption as well as horse rescue, having already collected three greyhounds and two horses for herself!
Vickie Rafter, Senior Investigator, has more than 15 years investigative experience as a former federal Special Agent for the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and the US Air Force, Office of Special Investigations. Vickie brings her expertise in fraud investigations to the firm, specializing in general and complex investigations as well as being certified in Computer Forensics. She is also a dedicated researcher and will keep digging until satisfied that the answer has been found. An avid runner, Vickie has competed in several marathons and continues to train for future endeavors.
Steve Robles, Computer Forensics Examiner, came to Califorensics with valuable experience from the US Air Force and a San Diego area high-tech firm. Steve graduated magna cum laude from Champlain College in Vermont with a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations and also obtained a professional certification for Computer Forensics. Steve conducts examinations on a wide variety of cases for our clients and also assists on eDiscovery projects as needed. When not working, Steve enjoys hiking and shooting (not always at the same time).
Evelyn Ho joined the firm in 2007 and performs research and investigations in various corporate and legal matters, serving as the Firm’s specialist on mortgage fraud investigations. She is also certified in Computer Forensics and routinely performs examinations along with eDiscovery projects. Evelyn, a former UC Regents Scholar, currently holds degrees in English, Anthropology, and Social Science. A voracious reader and part time library buff, she also enjoys recreational running, participating in local footraces including the centennial SF Bay-to-Breakers 10k, and kick boxing. These days, much of her training involves chasing down her husband, toddler, and boxer Abbie.
