Lee Lerussi
Mr. Lerussi currently serves as an embedded mentor deployed overseas to antiterrorism and digital forensic unit overseas as part of the U.S. State Department’s Global Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (GATA). Mr. Lee Lerussi also serves as an instructor and Subject Matter Expert for the GATA program and has been engaged by various government contractors who serviced the program. His expertise contributed significantly to the program, leading him to found LeeLand Consulting, Inc. in 2022. Through his consulting firm, he continues to service the government and private sector by providing valuable training course deliveries, curriculum and mentorships in national security issues, cybercrimes, and counterterrorism.
In June 2024 Mr. Lerussi was a guest on Oxygen Forensics’ Podcast “Oxygen on Air” discussing Trends in Digital Forensics. Mr. Lerussi is a published author with articles appearing Police1.com and Officer.com on the topics related to Mobile Device Forensics and the value of mentorships in law enforcement. He was an invited speaker at the National Association of Attorneys General Conference on Advanced Cybercrime held in Oxford, Mississippi in 2007. Mr. Lerussi also co-presented a lecture entitled “Computer Investigative Strategy and Techniques for Fraud Investigations” at the State of Ohio Auditor’s Conference in 2006, held in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Lerussi presented numerous workshops on the topics of conducting complex investigations, investigations of computer crimes, conducting cyber-enabled investigations, internet-based crimes, and mobile device forensics and investigations
Mr. Lerussi served as a Senior Special Agent in the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), retiring in 2021 after 23 years. Prior to joining the Bureau, Mr. Lerussi served for 14 years as a Peace Officer in his hometown as a member of the St. Clair Township Police Department. During his time with the department, he served in various positions, such as training officer, juvenile officer, firearms instructor, and on the county multi-jurisdictional Special Response Team. Mr. Lerussi continues to hold his commission and serves as a Deputy Sheriff (Reserve) in Ohio’s Columbiana County. Mr. Lerussi also serves as an Instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. His law enforcement career spans 38 years and counting.
Mr. Lerussi has successfully completed training with the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists and numerous other trainings. He is certified as an electronic-recovery specialist from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and as an Examiner from Guidance Software, Inc. He has received training from the SANS Institute as well. Additionally, he holds certifications from Cellebrite in mobile device forensics. Mr. Lerussi has attended continuing education and training courses, receiving certifications from the FBI, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, the SANS Institute, NW3C, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
A graduate of Heidelberg University, Mr. Lerussi holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He has attended graduate studies in psychology and counseling at Kent State University and Youngstown State University.
Mr. Lerussi has received various awards during his law enforcement career to include.
Ohio Distinguished Law Enforcement Group Achievement Award, , a Meritorious Service Award from U.S. Marshal Service, a commendation from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and a commendation from the FBI’s Cleveland, Ohio. In his tenure with BCI, Mr. Lerussi received two superintendent’s commendations, a Meritorious Unit Award, and nine letters of acknowledgment for successful investigations conducted during his 23 years with the bureau.