The Week 57 Forensic Science Geek of the Week is Announced!

The Forensic Science Geek of the Week

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The week 57 “www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek of the Week” honors goes to: Ronald Moore, Esquire.

About our winner according to his website:

Mr. Moore received a BS in Biology from U.C. Riverside in 1988, a JD from Western State University College of Law in 2003, and an AS in Culinary Arts from Saddleback College in 2009.

Ron worked as a Forensic Scientist at the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Forensic Science Services Laboratory from 1989 to 2007. During his tenure at the OC Crime Lab, he worked in Toxicology, Blood and Breath Alcohol, Drug Analysis, Firearm and Toolmark Examination, and Crime Scene Investigation. He completed his time at the lab with18 months supervising the Blood and Breath Alcohol sections. He is very familiar with the Intoxilyzer 5000, Datamaster, and Alco-Sensor IV breath testing instruments used during the years he was with the lab. Mr. Moore testified for both the prosecution and defense in over 450 DUI cases, and in many major crime cases. He assisted in the investigation of approximately 50 homicides and 25 officer involved shootings, attending and collecting evidence at over 100 autopsies.

Mr. Moore left the OC Crime Lab to enter private practice as an attorney and forensic scientist, practicing 3 years in Orange County and 6 months in Northern California. Mr. Moore now returns to the Orange County area and is affiliated with the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc.

Congratulations to our Forensic Science Geek of the Week winner!

See the challenge question that our winner correctly answered.

OFFICIAL QUESTION:

: Forensic Science Geek of the Week Challenge

1. What is shown in this photo?

2. What is the name of the technique?

3. What are the steps in the process?

Our Geek of the Week answered:

This is a number restorator. It is based on electrochemical etching. The surface to be restored must be polished to a mirror surface. The forearm is attached to the anode, and an acid is applied to the cathode. A current is passed through the firearm when the cathode touches the gun. The metal underneath the stamped numbers is more dense that the surrounding metal, which etches faster. An image of the number is developed. The amount of current can be moderated to control the rate of etching. I used to do this with a q-tip, clip leads, and a 9 volt battery. I took an ATF class that taught this along with normal etching and magnafluxing.

[BLOGGER’S NOTE: Great answer. Here is some more information on serial number restoration.]

The Hall of Fame for the www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek of the Week:
Week 1: Chuck Ramsay, Esquire

Week 2: Rick McIndoe, PhD

Week 3: Christine Funk, Esquire

Week 4: Stephen Daniels

Week 5: Stephen Daniels

Week 6: Richard Middlebrook, Esquire

Week 7: Christine Funk, Esquire

Week 8: Ron Moore, B.S., J.D.

Week 9: Ron Moore, B.S., J.D.

Week 10: Kelly Case, Esquire and Michael Dye, Esquire

Week 11: Brian Manchester, Esquire