1. Elements of Breach of Trust Washington D.C. | Client Background and Initial Investigation
The client was the managing partner of a Washington D.C. professional services firm that relied heavily on proprietary data and client relationships.
Concerns arose when internal performance metrics revealed unexplained delays and irregular data activity connected to a single employee.
Early warning signs of entrusted authority misuse
The employee held a senior role and was entrusted with access to sensitive client files, pricing models, and strategic project documents.
Although officially assigned to a high priority engagement, the employee’s output declined while system logs showed extensive after hours activity.
Management initially suspected inefficiency, but the pattern suggested intentional diversion of time and resources.
Given the employee’s level of trust and access, the client authorized a formal forensic review of the company issued laptop.
2. Elements of Breach of Trust Washington D.C. | Legal Standards Applied to the Case
In Washington D.C., employee misuse of entrusted property is evaluated through statutory elements rather than a single labeled offense.
Accordingly, counsel structured the investigation to satisfy the elements of breach of trust as analyzed under District criminal law.
District statutes governing entrusted property and digital misuse
Under D.C. Code § 22-3211, theft includes the knowing exercise of unauthorized control over another’s property or services.
When an employee exceeds the scope of entrusted authority for personal benefit, prosecutors assess whether the conduct demonstrates intent, lack of authorization, and resulting harm.
Where digital systems are involved, D.C. Code § 22-3227.01 et seq. further addresses unauthorized access, copying, and transmission of electronic data.
These provisions collectively frame how the elements of breach of trust are proven in modern employment based investigations.
3. Elements of Breach of Trust Washington D.C. | Laptop Forensics Strategy and Findings
The forensic strategy focused on preserving evidence integrity while mapping technical findings to legal requirements.
A disciplined approach ensured that the results could withstand scrutiny in both criminal and civil proceedings.
Identification of non business activities and file misuse
A forensic image of the laptop was created using industry standard write blocking protocols.
Analysis revealed that a substantial portion of the device’s usage occurred during compensated work hours and was unrelated to firm business.
Over one thousand files were linked to an external venture operated by an individual closely associated with the employee.
This pattern supported the conclusion that entrusted company resources were knowingly repurposed for unauthorized objectives.
Evidence of data transfers and external dissemination
Investigators documented repeated exports of internal client lists, draft proposals, and financial projections.
These materials were transmitted to personal email accounts and third party cloud platforms without authorization.
System logs and metadata established a consistent timeline of deliberate activity rather than inadvertent error.
The evidence directly addressed core elements of breach of trust, including intentional misuse and exposure of company assets.
4. Elements of Breach of Trust Washington D.C. | Case Outcome and Evidentiary Significance
The forensic findings enabled counsel to demonstrate that the employee’s conduct satisfied the elements of breach of trust under Washington D.C. law.
The evidence supported referral to law enforcement under applicable theft and computer crime provisions.
In parallel, the client was positioned to pursue civil remedies for economic loss and injunctive relief.
This case illustrates how laptop forensics can anchor complex trust based allegations in verifiable, admissible proof.
12 Dec, 2025
