investigators
Weber Law's Team of Private Criminal Investigators
The Criminal Defense Law Ninjas
We practice people law. People law is the type of law focused on strengthening families, individuals, and businesses by personal connection and face-to-face interaction.
More often than not, a private criminal investigator can be the crucial factor in a winning criminal defense case. Our investigators are seasoned and experienced in finding witnesses and evidence that can establish reasonable doubt.
Our Investigators
Nick DeLand
Nick DeLand is a retired law enforcement officer, son of a prominent criminal defense attorney, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ashford University with a bachelor’s degree in Social and Criminal Justice. Mr. DeLand’s law enforcement experience includes uniformed patrol as well as years in various detective assignments, in addition to specialized training in a wide range of subjects including Internet crime, fraud, and financial crime, sex crime, assault, domestic violence, homicide, digital forensics, and many others. Since his retirement from the Salt Lake City Police Department in 2012, Mr. DeLand has conducted extensive and professional private criminal investigations for many of the most prestigious lawyers and firms in Utah and is now a valued member of our team.
*To verify a Weber Law investigator, please call Nick at (801) 923-6465.
Melissa Fritz
Melissa Fritz has worked for over a decade as an investigator in law enforcement and private investigations. During her time in law enforcement, she worked corrections, patrol, and as a member of the drug task force. As a result of numerous and often intensive narcotics investigations, Ms. Fritz was named the Utah Narcotics Officers Association Officer of the Year. As a private criminal investigator, Ms. Fritz specializes in criminal defense and civil rights investigations.
Mike Hardin
Meet Mike Hardin, distinguished retired law enforcement detective with over two decades of experience in the Salt Lake City Police Department. Throughout his career, Mike has displayed unwavering dedication and commitment to public service, earning a reputation as a highly skilled investigator and a valuable asset to the department.
For the first five years of his service, he was assigned to patrol duties and SWAT, honing his skills in maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of the community. He then transitioned to the detective bureau, where he spent the remainder of his career investigating a range of complex and challenging cases, DUI, Theft, Burglary, Fraud, Robbery, Domestics, Assaults, Kidnappings, Sex Crimes, Missing Persons, Homicide, Cold Cases and many others.
With his keen attention to detail and tireless work ethic, Mike proved instrumental in solving numerous cases that posed significant challenges to law enforcement personnel. His extensive experience in the detective bureau enabled him to develop a deep understanding of the criminal mind and an ability to decipher the most intricate details of a case.
After a long and illustrious career in law enforcement, Mike retired from the Salt Lake City Police Department, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism. His remarkable achievements and contributions to the community have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he will always be remembered as a true champion of justice.
In addition to Mike’s impressive career, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his outstanding service. His exceptional work in the detective bureau has been recognized with several commendations, including Detective of the Year, an honor reserved for only the most exceptional investigators.
Throughout his career, he has been praised for his ability to unravel complex cases and bring justice to victims and their families. His unwavering commitment to public safety and his tireless efforts to uphold the law have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community at large.
As a true master of his craft, he has consistently demonstrated remarkable expertise in his field, and his insights and contributions have been instrumental in advancing the field of law enforcement. His many accomplishments serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication and unparalleled skill as a detective.
Mike has countless hours of various criminal related training, experience, and is highly skilled in interviewing techniques, attention to detail and knows how the criminal justice system works, first hand.
*You may reach Mike at (385) 300-0607.
DJ Mannion
Darren J. “DJ” Mannion is a retired California law enforcement investigator with 28 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, San Bernardino. Mr. Mannion served with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office, investigating complex fraud, narcotics, organized crime, sexual assault, child abuse, and public integrity cases. His experience includes witness interviews, evidence collection, surveillance, and trial preparation, as well as supervising specialized investigative teams. A veteran of the United States Air Force and California Air National Guard, Mr. Mannion now conducts private investigations in Utah through his business, Integrity Investigations.
*You may reach DJ at (385) 497-6688.
Elena Rojas
Elena Rojas is a private investigator with a background in criminal defense investigations, forensic science, and evidence management. Since beginning private investigative work in 2019, Ms. Rojas has worked on matters involving homicide, fraud, and missing persons. Her experience includes surveillance, interviews, public records research, and detailed document review. She previously served as a forensic laboratory manager and molecular biologist, performing forensic testing, overseeing evidence handling and chain of custody, and providing expert courtroom testimony. Ms. Rojas holds an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and Law from Salt Lake Community College and is fluent in Spanish.
*You may reach Elena at (385) 324-5405.
Blake Hydrick
Hardison Blake Hydrick brings 17 years of federal law enforcement experience with the United States Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mr. Hydrick earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Utah Valley University, with a specialization in Criminal Law. His experience includes surveillance, interviews, intelligence gathering, legal research, and locating individuals, along with supervisory assignments and detention compliance oversight. He also served as an ICE Academy instructor, teaching immigration law, Spanish, and law enforcement principles. Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Hydrick brings extensive experience reviewing records and working with attorneys to his investigative work.
*You may reach Blake at (385) 526-3060.
