TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Krista Shelton

​

Krista Shelton, a distinguished Certified Fraud Examiner and former special agent, has dedicated her career to uncovering financial fraud and providing clients with the clarity they need. With over 13 years of experience working for the United States federal government, Krista has built a reputation for her expertise and unwavering commitment to justice. Her journey from a federal agent at the IRS to founding a groundbreaking forensic accounting firm is a testament to her talent, integrity, and innovative spirit.

​

Krista's career took off while working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where she honed her skills in financial investigations. Her most notable case was investigating and testifying against former NBA player Kermit Washington for his fraudulent activities against a non-profit organization. This high-profile case also implicated NFL Hall of Fame player Ron Mix, who faced charges for filing a false tax return related to an illegal referral arrangement with Washington.

​

Recognizing the need for a more approachable forensic accounting service, Krista founded Focused Forensic Solutions (FFS) in 2020.  Her mission is to raise awareness and accessibility to financial fraud investigation services and its benefits. The team includes highly experienced former federal agents, mainly from the IRS and FBI. With Krista paving the way, FFS leverages the extensive knowledge and skills of seasoned professionals to provide clients with unparalleled service.

​

At the core of Krista’s mission is the promise of peace of mind. Clients who turn to FFS can rest assured that they are receiving the highest level of expertise and dedication. Krista and her team take pride in delivering accurate and timely results, helping clients uncover the truth and find closure in complex financial matters.

​

Krista has also identified an area in critical need: divorce proceedings. All too often, individuals in divorce cases misrepresent their financial information without facing any consequences. Krista’s firm is dedicated to combating this issue, exposing fraudulent activity, and ensuring fair outcomes for clients. 

 

Krista's achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. Among these, she received the Fred Von Behren Good Citizen Award from the Maryville Chamber of Commerce in 2023, honoring her personal volunteerism, community service, and leadership in charitable organizations. Additionally, she was awarded the Aspire Award by her Special Agent Basic Training classmates at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in 2010. This award recognizes her exceptional contribution to the overall success of the training program, embodying the principles of assessing, setting goals, planning, implementing, reviewing, and evaluating.

​

Looking ahead, Krista is committed to expanding her impact through educational initiatives. She plans to author a guidebook designed to help individuals protect themselves during divorce. Additionally, she is developing an online training program aimed at equipping people with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate financial disputes. These resources will expand into other categories and empower individuals to recognize and understand warning signs and take preventative measures to protect themselves, ultimately promoting financial fairness and transparency.

​

What inspired you to start Focused Forensic Solutions?

​

I am profoundly grateful for the years I spent acquiring invaluable experience in financial investigations at the IRS.  However, assisting real people with their financial concerns has proven to be far more meaningful. The most epic day of my career occurred just a few months ago when I uncovered evidence of financial deception in a divorce case.  Leveraging this evidence, I helped our client secure a fair settlement, which was life-changing for her. This experience underscored my lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and solidified my commitment to using my training and expertise to assist individuals grappling with financial issues.  Founding the firm has allowed me to channel this passion and make a significant impact on people’s lives.

​

How is your firm going to make an impact on divorce proceedings?

​

I developed a unique service leveraging my extensive IRS experience, where we meticulously analyze standard discovery documents exchanged in divorce proceedings—such as tax returns and bank statements—to identify signs of suspicious activity. We look for hidden assets, undisclosed bank accounts, and unreported income. Upon detecting any red flags, we immediately devise a tailored plan to address them.

​

What sets us apart is our flat-rate fee model, as opposed to the traditional, often exorbitant hourly rates. This approach provides clients with better control over their expenses and makes forensic accounting services more accessible to a broader audience. This simple structure is a game-changer with the potential to help many people navigate the complexities of divorce proceedings.

​

You’re also very active with community and charitable causes. Can you share some of these with us?

​

I dedicate a significant amount of my time to various charitable and community causes. As the sixth generation living on my family's farm, established in 1856, I feel a strong connection to our community and its history. Inspired by my grandmother, who founded the Beverly Shelton Girls Town Club in 1972, I am committed to continuing her legacy of service.

​

Additionally, I currently serve on two boards. Lettuce Dream is a nonprofit organization that provides career education and fosters community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Second Harvest Community Food Bank works to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in our region, ensuring access to nutritious meals for those in need.

​

Through these roles and activities, I strive to contribute to the betterment of my community and support initiatives that create lasting change.

​

​

Krista Shelton

President and Founder

Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC
Website: https://www.focusedforensic.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-shelton-713b527  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusedforensicsolutions

Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/krista.shelton.ffs