About the examiner
The Examiner Behind the Evidence
Holmes Digital Forensics LLC is a digital forensics firm owned and operated by Stephen Holmes.
Stephen Holmes
Digital Forensics Examiner & Expert Witness
Stephen Holmes is a federally credentialed digital forensics examiner with over two decades of experience in law enforcement, federal court operations, and forensic examinations. He previously served as the Supervisory Probation Officer and Forensic Examiner of the Digital Forensic Lab for the United States Probation Office in the Eastern District of Missouri. His lab of four examiners and one technician supported 64 of the 94 federal judicial districts.
His expertise includes mobile device analysis, Windows computer examinations, advanced data extraction methods such as In-System Programming (ISP), chip-off and JTAG, dark web investigations, and social media forensics. He holds certifications from IACIS, GIAC, Cellebrite, Magnet Forensics, Teel Technologies, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, among others.
In addition to his federal service, Stephen is an Adjunct Instructor in Saint Louis University’s Forensic Science Program, where he teaches Digital Forensics. Through Holmes Digital Forensics LLC, he brings this same depth of knowledge and experience to civil litigation, internal investigations, and attorney-retained forensic examinations.
Credentials & Certifications
Certified Forensic Computer Examiner
IACIS — International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
Peer-reviewed certification requiring demonstrated proficiency across the full forensic examination methodology.
GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner
GIAC / SANS Institute FOR500
Validates Windows forensic analysis, browser artifacts, timeline reconstruction, and log analysis.
GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics
GIAC / SANS Institute FOR585
Advanced certification covering smartphone acquisition, app artifact analysis, and anti-forensics.
Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner
Cellebrite
Covers physical, logical, and file system extractions across iOS and Android platforms.
Magnet Forensics Certified Mobile Examiner
Magnet Forensics
Certified in mobile examination using Magnet AXIOM, including advanced mobile and macOS workflows.
SCERS & MDIP
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist and Mobile Device Investigations Program — federal-level forensic training.
How We work
Chain of custody
Every piece of evidence is documented from receipt to return. Forensic images are verified with cryptographic hashes before and after examination.
Defensible methodology
Examinations follow best forensics practices. Tools and methods are documented so findings can be independently verified or challenged.
Clear reporting
Reports are written for attorneys and judges, not technicians. Technical findings are translated into plain language without sacrificing accuracy.
Objectivity
We are retained as a neutral examiner. Our obligation is to the evidence — not to a preferred outcome. Retaining counsel is informed of findings regardless of direction.
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