Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Private Investigators in Columbus, OH
Ace Investigations was founded by Martin Yant, a former award-winning investigative journalist, editor, and columnist, who transitioned his investigative expertise into private investigations over 30 years ago. Our team of highly trained professionals specializes in criminal defense, wrongful conviction cases, and civil litigation, providing meticulous research and evidence collection to support clients across Ohio and beyond. We collaborate with national innocence projects and forensic experts to uncover truth and exonerate the wrongfully accused. Our services include witness interviews, evidence discovery, surveillance, and skip tracing, tailored to meet the unique demands of each case.With decades of combined experience, we maintain a steadfast commitment to justice and client advocacy. Our work has been recognized in major media outlets and has contributed to the release of over 30 wrongfully convicted individuals. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, we operate satellite offices in Mansfield and Akron-Canton, offering personalized service backed by a network of forensic specialists. Martin Yant's acclaimed book 'Presumed Guilty' underscores our dedication to systemic justice reform. We approach every investigation with the rigor of investigative journalism and the compassion required for sensitive cases.
Services
Criminal Defense
Wrongful Conviction
Civil Litigation
Skip Tracing
Domestic Relations
Surveillance
Business Services
Process Service
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of investigative experience from former award-winning journalists
- Our team collaborates with national innocence projects and forensic experts
- We've secured freedom for over 30 wrongfully convicted individuals
- We provide comprehensive services including surveillance, DNA analysis, and court process service
- Our founder's investigative work has been featured in major national media outlets
Services
Criminal Defense
We conduct thorough investigations to strengthen criminal defense cases through witness interviews and testimonial evidence collection. Our team works closely with attorneys to uncover critical information that challenges prosecution claims. With decades of experience, we provide strategic support for clients facing serious criminal charges.
Wrongful Conviction
Our specialists collaborate with national innocence organizations to reinvestigate closed cases and uncover new evidence. We've successfully exonerated over 30 wrongfully convicted individuals using advanced forensic techniques. This service includes DNA testing, expert witness coordination, and comprehensive case documentation.
Civil Litigation
We support civil litigation cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, and police misconduct through evidence discovery and witness testimony collection. Our investigators document incidents and gather proof to strengthen compensation claims. This service includes detailed reporting for court proceedings.
Surveillance
Our team conducts discreet surveillance operations using advanced recording equipment to document subjects' activities. This service supports insurance fraud investigations and workers' compensation cases. We maintain strict chain-of-custody protocols for admissible evidence.
Process Service
We provide prompt legal document delivery services for criminal, civil, and domestic court proceedings across Ohio. Our investigators ensure proper service completion with detailed proof of service documentation. This includes witness location and summons delivery.
People
Martin Yant
Founder/Lead Investigator
Former investigative journalist with 30+ years of private investigation experience. Authored 'Presumed Guilty' and freed over 30 wrongfully convicted individuals. Recognized by The Washington Post and featured in major media outlets.
Amanda Harris
Mansfield Office Lead
Experienced investigator with accounting degree from University of Phoenix. Mansfield native with extensive local contacts. Manages central Ohio operations and financial investigations.
Melanie Athey
Akron-Canton Office Lead
Master's degree in psychology from Ball State University. Combines clinical research background with community corrections experience. Specializes in complex case investigations in northeast Ohio.
Questions
What types of cases do you handle?
We specialize in criminal defense, wrongful conviction, civil litigation, surveillance, and process service cases across Ohio and nationally.
How can you help with criminal charges?
We conduct independent investigations to uncover exculpatory evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge prosecution claims through documented research.
Do you work outside Ohio?
While based in Ohio, we handle cases nationwide through our network of investigators and forensic partners.
How do you differ from other agencies?
Our team combines journalism investigative techniques with legal expertise, focusing on justice advocacy rather than standard private investigations.
Can you help with post-conviction cases?
Yes, we specialize in wrongful conviction cases and have successfully exonerated over 30 individuals through evidence re-examination.
What forensic resources do you have?
We collaborate with experts in DNA testing, fingerprint analysis, document examination, and digital forensics through our national network.
