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Marlins Special Investigations Marlins Special Investigations
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Business Details
32 Years
experience
Professional Private Investigative Services in Iowa
Marlins Special Investigations (MSI) has been delivering professional investigative services since 1994. Founded by Michael Marlin after his 24-year law enforcement career, our agency combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to serve attorneys, insurance companies, businesses, and private individuals nationwide. Our licensed, bonded, and insured investigators utilize video surveillance, GPS tracking, and advanced database resources to produce court-ready evidence.

With over 70 years of combined experience from our leadership team, including former law enforcement officers trained in interrogation and crime scene analysis, we specialize in criminal defense, infidelity, child custody, and insurance fraud investigations. Our work has been featured on Dateline NBC, and we maintain strict client confidentiality while providing free initial consultations to assess case viability.
Services
Criminal Defense Investigations Infidelity Surveillance Child Custody Cases Insurance Fraud Detection Witness Location Services Asset Searches Background Checks Process Service Corporate Investigations Missing Persons
Details
  • Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
  • Over 30 years of investigative experience with former law enforcement professionals
  • Court-tested expertise in criminal defense and legal investigations
  • Advanced technology including GPS tracking and covert surveillance equipment
  • Licensed, bonded, and insured investigators meeting state requirements
  • Proven track record with cases featured on national television programs
Associations and certifications
  • Iowa Department of Public Safety
  • Iowa Association of Private Investigators (IAPI)
  • Intellenet International Intelligence Network
What people say
Proven track record Court-admissible evidence Discreet surveillance Expert testimony Nationwide service
Update Listing
Services
Criminal Defense Investigations
Our criminal defense investigations provide critical support for legal cases through witness interviews, evidence collection, and police report analysis. We utilize law enforcement-grade techniques to uncover overlooked details in cases ranging from homicide to fraud. Our investigators have testified in numerous trials, offering expert analysis that complements legal strategies while maintaining strict evidentiary standards.
Infidelity Surveillance
We conduct discreet infidelity investigations using covert surveillance and GPS tracking to document suspected cheating. Our documentation meets legal requirements for divorce proceedings, focusing on behavioral patterns and relationship verification. The service includes vehicle tracking, location documentation, and background checks on involved parties to build comprehensive case files for family court proceedings.
Child Custody Investigations
Our child custody services document parental behavior through surveillance and environmental assessments. We focus on safety concerns like substance abuse, neglect, or unsupervised interactions with third parties. Investigators maintain impartiality while gathering evidence of care quality, using video documentation and witness statements to support custody modification requests or defend against false allegations.
Insurance Fraud Detection
We specialize in uncovering insurance fraud through surveillance and background checks, serving both companies and individuals. Our methods verify injury claims, employment status, and financial histories using proprietary databases. The service includes detailed reporting with video evidence to support claim denial or validate legitimate cases, following strict chain-of-custody protocols for legal admissibility.
Missing Persons Location
Our missing persons investigations combine database research with fieldwork to locate individuals for legal or personal reasons. We use specialized resources to track subjects across state lines, focusing on civil matters, family connections, and legal obligations. The service includes document verification and discreet surveillance to confirm locations while maintaining subject unawareness during active investigations.
People
Jeffrey M. Marlin
President/CEO
Former police officer with 30+ years of investigative experience. Specializes in homicide and fraud cases. Editor of IAPI Quarterly Newsletter since 2003. Holds advanced training in surveillance and interrogation techniques.
Michael D. Marlin
Founder/Consultant
Retired DCI Special Agent with 40+ years of law enforcement experience. Investigated major crimes including murder and public corruption. Trained over 600 officers in surveillance techniques. Served as lead background investigator for Iowa gaming operations.
Questions
What types of cases do you handle?
We handle criminal defense, infidelity, child custody, insurance fraud, missing persons, and corporate investigations. Our services include surveillance, witness interviews, and court testimony.
Are your investigators licensed?
All investigators are licensed by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. We maintain bonding, insurance, and compliance with state regulatory requirements.
Can you work with out-of-state clients?
We serve clients nationwide with primary focus areas in Iowa and surrounding states. Our network allows effective case management across state lines.
How is evidence collected documented?
We use video surveillance, GPS tracking, and written reports to create court-admissible documentation. All evidence follows chain-of-custody protocols for legal proceedings.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to assess case viability and explain our investigative approach before starting any work.
Can you testify in court?
Our investigators have testified in numerous trials. We provide professional testimony services with documented evidence to support legal proceedings when required.