Meet Our Team 

Dave Barela 

Owner and CEO of AIS Private Investigator License #: 1128

I have years of investigative experience serving as a Military Police Investigator (42d MP Group Customs), Special Agent in the United States Army Criminal Investigations Command, and as the CEO of AIS for the past 20+ years. 
Above all else, I value integrity and honesty. These two principles have driven who I am as a professional and who I am in my personal life. I love to spend time with my family and close friends.   

Petra Barela 

Co-Owner of AIS Private Investigator License #: 6210

I am co-owner of AIS and have worked as a private investigator since 2006. Even with nearly two decades of accumilated knowledge, skills, and experience, I still love learning something new every day.   
I strive to always see the best in every person I meet. I love my family and freinds deeply and enjoy shopping and watching sports. 

Mark Weeks

Private Investigator License #: 9170

I graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and gained nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience. 
I enjoy spending time with family and working outside. I am active in fitness and reading. I have also maintained a fifth-degree black belt from Won Jung Martial Arts Association until 2018. I have thirty years of training, teaching, and competing in the arts of Tae Kwin Do and Hap Ki-Do. 

Daniel Rivas, Jr. 

Arkansas Lead Investigator License #: 8927

I joined the military in 1991 and have over twenty years of investigative experience in the military. Upon my military retirement, I opened my own investigation firm in Texas focusing on Criminal Defense cases and other types of investigation in South America. I now reside in Arkansas where I work as branch manager for AIS.
I am 1/2 Mescalero Apache and 1/2 Hispanic and Spanish is my first language. I learned English in 2nd grade with the help of a wonderful teacher who invested time and energy into teaching me a second language.  I am an avid fisher and absolutely treasure the time I get to spend with my wife, children, and 20 grandchildren. 

William Swisher 

Private Investigator License #: 8872

 I am a retired Police Officer with over 24 years of experience in law enforcement and worked 6 years as a Protection Agent. I joined the AIS team as a private investigator in 2021. I take pleasure in riding my motorcycle and spending time with my family. 

Scott Sullivan  

Private Investigator License #: 9504 

I have nine years of investigative experience as I worked in law enforcement in Scioto County, Ohio, and I am a member of the Tennessee Association of Professional Bonding Agents (TAPBA).  In addition, I have spent nearly thirty years in marketing in multiple positions both nationally and internationally. This experience has improved my ability to communicate with people and I excel in project management. Outside of work, I have a deep sense of love for my family and enjoy volunteering in my local community. 