Investigator Spotlight: Gricel Sass

This blog is a part of our series, Investigator Spotlights, where we will introduce you to some of Pinkerton’s investigators. When Allan Pinkerton started the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in 1850, the profession was not held in high regard. It was Pinkerton and his team’s skill for detective work, keen intellect, and watchful eyes that turned contempt to esteem and gave birth to the modern security industry. To be counted among Pinkerton investigators is an honor belonging to a relative few and a position reserved for the best in the field.

Do you have a defining moment when you realized that you wanted to solve mysteries?

I’ve wanted to solve mysteries for as long as I can remember. In middle school, I had a teacher about whom I sensed something was amiss. While my classmates avoided him, I tried to learn as much as I could about him in order to understand my feeling of unease.

Unfortunately, my instincts were justified. Some months later, believing he had been overcharged for a bicycle repair, he became enraged and killed eight people and wounded three at the machine shop. I knew something about him was off, but I never imagined he was capable of such a heinous act. Nevertheless, this event cemented my life path.

I became passionate about solving crimes, identifying those who commit crimes, and prosecuting them to the highest extent of the law. I earned a criminal justice degree, worked as a pretrial services officer to gain experience in the court system, and then became a state law enforcement officer.

A few years later, I became an FBI agent and had the opportunity to work in a myriad of situations, including more than five years at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. I built sustainable international partnerships, briefed foreign and U.S. leaders on investigative matters, and worked the protective detail for high-level U.S. leaders who traveled to South America. I retired from the FBI after 24 years and now work for Pinkerton where I can continue to follow my passion for solving mysteries.

What talent or skills do you need to be a great investigator?

I learned from my early experience to always trust my instincts and my ability to read people. Great investigators are flexible, good listeners, observant, willing to take risks, have perseverance, think outside the box, are patient, decisive, have good judgment, and pay attention to detail.

What are your areas of expertise?

I have expertise in criminal investigations involving fraud, security matters, crimes against children, terrorism, maritime drug smuggling/drug trafficking, personnel security, kidnappings, transnational organized crime, and undercover operations.

Why did you choose to become a Pinkerton?

I love Pinkerton’s rich history and the fact they chased some of the country’s most ruthless criminals. They hired the first female detective in the U.S. It’s the perfect fit. Pinkerton’s vision and values align with mine, and each assignment with the Agency has been unique and interesting. I am constantly challenged to learn new things, solve problems, and help people.

I love the diversity within Pinkerton’s ranks. My colleagues are extremely talented, and all bring something different to the table. There isn’t an area of expertise we are missing. I enjoy working on investigations autonomously, but working with a team who shares the same passion for this line of work will forever inspire me. The team is always willing to assist.

What is your most memorable case?

The highlight of my FBI career was being selected to be part of the high-profile trial team that aided in the successful prosecution of Joaquin “el Chapo” Guzman. This was the largest and most complex criminal prosecution involving the Sinaloa Cartel to date.

An army of agents and law enforcement officers from all over the world worked for decades to collect evidence on Guzman. The trial team was responsible for the analysis and selection of evidence for the trial. I capitalized on my language and interpersonal skills and built rapport with testifying witnesses and cooperators. I also managed some of the most volatile and hostile witnesses in the case.

I am proud to have been a part of the team who took the investigation of Guzman, spanning over thirty years, to the finish line. My first case with the FBI involved this cartel, so being on the team to prosecute him was like coming full circle. It was mind-blowing.

Are there any other stories you would like to share?

My first case with Pinkerton involved a missing person. These cases are challenging, especially when involving adults with free will. Further complicating matters, he had been missing for three weeks and his cell phone and ID were at his home. As a results-driven person, I worried because the likelihood he would be found was exceptionally low.

I interviewed his family members and neighbors and learned he had a history of seizures. My gut told me this played a role in his disappearance. A couple of days into the investigation, I expanded the hospital search. Although his family members had already checked the hospitals, he had an uncommon name, and I was convinced he could be listed as John Doe or under a misspelled name.

I implored hospital employees to search their databases for criteria not solely based on his name. This proved critical. I located him at a hospital, under a misspelled name. He had a seizure, fell, and suffered head trauma. Without an ID or cell phone, the hospital was unable to correctly identify him or contact family members.

There is no greater feeling than when a case — or mystery — is solved. It was so fulfilling to witness the relief of his family when they reunited. This moment will stay with me forever and is the reason I will never lose my passion for this line of work.

Throughout history, Pinkertons have served as advisors and consultants for national and global organizations, defining new standards for investigations and consistently driving change within our industry. As a trusted partner, you can rely on our family of thousands of employees and connected partners across 100+ countries to support your investigative, risk management, and security needs. If you would like to know more about Pinkerton’s Investigative Services, connect with our team.