Amped Connect U.S.

Martino Jerian is the CEO and Founder of Amped Software. He holds a degree in Electronic Engineering (summa cum laude) from the University of Trieste, Italy, where his thesis focused on forensic image processing. In 2008, he founded Amped Software, leading the development of advanced tools for image and video forensics. With a strong background in software engineering, he played a key role in designing and driving the initial development of the company’s products. Martino has been a contract professor in university courses on investigations, forensics, and intelligence. He has authored multiple scientific papers in the field of image and video forensics and has served as a forensic expert in high-profile judicial cases. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and the pursuit of security and justice.

John Barahona is a retired detective with an impressive 27-year career in law enforcement. He has served in the United States Air Force Security Police and the Mesa Police Department before retiring from the Arizona Department of Public Safety in 2023. During his tenure, he spent over seven years as the sole video and audio forensic detective in the Computer Forensics Unit, specializing in digital evidence analysis.

John holds a bachelor's degree with honors in Computer Information Systems, with a focus on Computer Forensics, from DeVry University. He is also a certified LEVA Forensic Video Technician and a GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner.

In 2023, John joined the Amped Software team, where he now provides expert instruction on the use of Amped FIVE software through both online and onsite training. Additionally, he offers technical support to Amped Software users across North America, leveraging his extensive forensic experience to enhance digital investigations.

Melissa Kimbrell has been a member of the Amped Software team as a Trainer and Technical Support Specialist since May 2022. Before coming to Amped Software, she worked as a Forensic Scientist focusing on Audio/Video Forensics and Photography at The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory in Austin, Texas, where she still lives.

She has taught the Main FIVE class, both online and in-person, and is always available to help users understand a proper workflow to process their video evidence. Melissa is a member of the Video and Imaging Technology and Analysis Subcommittee of the Digital Multimedia Scientific Area Committee (OSAC). 

In the summer you can find her floating a river or whitewater rafting; in the winter, you can find her on the ski slopes. When she isn't in one of those places, she's doing a Peloton workout or cuddled up with her dogs and her firefighter husband.

Ryan Marquart offers 28 years of experience in audio and video. He is currently serving as the IT Operations Manager embedded with his municipality's police department. His career began as an AV engineer supporting Colorado’s NHL/NBA arena before moving to Wisconsin. In addition to his work in forensic video, he oversees the municipal CCTV system and spearheads public/private CCTV initiatives. Leveraging his certifications as an IAI Forensic Video Examiner, LEVA Forensic Video Analyst, and AVIXA CTS designation, Ryan has contributed to thousands of cases and countless IT/AV projects throughout his career. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar.

Blake joined Amped Software in 2019 when the Amped US branch was established. Before, he worked for the Plano Police Department, establishing the digital media unit of their Crime Scene Unit. As Amped’s US Operations Director, he ensures users in the US and Canada get the best help and service on a daily basis. 

He is certified as a LEVA Forensic Video Analyst and an IAI Certified Forensic Video Examiner. Before joining Amped, he taught courses with LEVA (Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association) and served on their board. As part of his priority in helping video examiners better understand the scientific workflow of Video Forensics, he is the chair of the AI subcommittee for SWGDE (Scientific Working Group for Digital Evidence) and participates in the Video subcommittee at OSAC (Organization of Scientific Area Committees).

When he isn't working, he is most often found in the garage building a rocket powered by an old arcade machine to save the world from Space Invaders or driving his kids from one practice to another.