How Skip Tracing Found a Mother on the Run

Off The Hook

Send us a text

When a desperate father loses contact with his young daughter, he turns to private investigation to locate his ex-wife who has vanished across state lines. What follows is an extraordinary month-long hunt spanning from Jacksonville to Mississippi to California, showcasing the art of modern skip tracing at its finest.
Rob shares the intricate details of tracking "Tina the Trainer" – a personal trainer who obtained a Domestic Violence Protective Order against her ex-husband, then disappeared just before it expired. Through methodical investigation at local gyms and nutrition shops, innovative use of license plate recognition technology, and collaboration with investigators across multiple states, the team gradually closes in on their elusive target.
The investigation reveals a pattern of deliberate evasion: changing license plates, crossing state lines, and attempting to start fresh on the opposite coast. Even with sophisticated tracking methods, finding someone who doesn't want to be found requires patience, persistence, and sometimes a bit of luck – like when a Mississippi investigator happened to recognize the subject from a local cookout.
The case culminates in a brilliantly executed service of papers by an investigator disguised as an Amazon delivery driver – captured on video and delivering not just legal documents but potentially life-changing consequences. With a court order now requiring her to return to North Carolina with the child or face criminal charges, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Beyond the fascinating investigative tactics, this story highlights the human cost of parental alienation and the lengths to which some will go to prevent a child from having a relationship with both parents. It's a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Have you ever wondered what happens when someone tries to disappear? What electronic footprints they leave behind? Listen to this episode for a rare glimpse into the world of professional skip tracing and how modern technology combines with old-school detective work to find those who don't want to be found.

Chapters

1. Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Weekend Recaps and Political Commentary (00:09:41)

3. The California Connection and Successful Service (00:23:09)

4. The Jacksonville Investigation Begins (00:23:35)

5. Tina the Trainer: A Skip Tracing Case (00:28:12)

6. Following the Trail to Mississippi (00:29:13)

7. Case Conclusion and Future Implications (00:31:14)