ANIMAL FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Ernest Rogers DVM, PhD, CMI-V(ACFEI)

Dipl. (American Board of Forensic Medicine)

Dr. Rogers has always been interested in both police investigations and veterinary medicine since the age of 4 years. He completed undergraduate degrees in Neuropsychology and Learning (B.A. 1985) and Biology and Biomedical Sciences (B.Sc.(Hons.) 1985) at the University of Guelph (Guelph, Ontario, CANADA).

Dr. Rogers then pursued veterinary medicine and graduated from medical school ( DVM, 1991, Tuskegee University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee, Al.). He then completed a Doctorate in Philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology ( Ph.D. 2004, Virginia Tech, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg Va.).

While in graduate school, Dr. Rogers was fortunate to be able to become a training and behavioral consultant to the Southwest Virginia Police and Working Dog Group (SVPWDG). The SVPWDG held once monthly "real situation" training sessions for Police K9 units from Charlottesville to Wythville VA. The first forensic case occurred in Roanoke VA. on a police ride-along where animal abuse was found and the perpetrator prosecuted. Dr Rogers served as an expert witness for the prosecution.

Since that initial case Dr. Rogers has been working with the several police departments and more recently the NJSPCA Humane Police (2007--present). He has given lectures throughout the United States and published papers on veterinary forensic medicine, crime scene investigation, medical investigations and expert witness techniques.

Currently, along with consulting with the NJSPCA Humane Police, Dr. Rogers initiated this veterinary forensic investigation company (AFI, 2012) to facilitate and support lawyers, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and the judiciary in the investigation of crimes against or involving animals. Dr. Rogers is also a strong advocate for effective and appropriate use of science and forensics and has consulted numerous times with defense lawyers.

Most recently, Dr. Rogers has completed course work in Criminal investigations, Criminal Procedure and Criminal Law. As with all professionals, Dr. Rogers is continuing to pursue additional forensic and legal coursework to improve his forensic skills and scientific abilities and knowledge. Currently, Dr. Rogers is a certified medical investigator (Level V) awarded by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and has been awarded, Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Medicine.

Education and Experience

Dr Rogers has a passion for Veterinary Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, Medical Investigations, and Expert Witness Testimony as a Forensic Veterinarian.

Dr. Ernest Rogers holds several degrees including a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical sciences and Biology), Bachelor of Arts (Neuropsychology and Behavior), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Doctorate in Philosophy (Toxicology and Pharmacology). Further, Dr. Rogers is a Certified Medical Investigator (American College of Forensic Examiner Institute) and a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Medicine.

Doctor Rogers initiated his first forensic case in 1995 in Roanoke Virginia. This was at the request of Roanoke County Police. Dr Rogers served and was certified as an expert witness for that case. Since that initial case, Dr Rogers has been involved in a projectile recovery (bullet recovery from a dog killed) for the Orange New Jersey Police Department. The forensic ballistic review of the projectile recovered, was then identified as coming from a firearm that had been involved in multiple human murders.

Dr Rogers has assisted and consulted both prosecution and the defense attorneys through expert witness consultation, review of legal documents including police reports, witness statements, crime scene photographs and other relevant documentation. To date, Dr. Rogers has assisted multiple police departments including the NJSPCA Humane Police in the establishment of over 50 cases. The development of forensic veterinary evidence is a skill unique to the Forensic Veterinarian. Dr. Rogers based on his experience, education and depth of knowledge has been able to successfully assist in multiple criminal and several civill litigations. Dr. Rogers also is an educator giving lectures on Veterinary Forensics to Veterinarians, Law Enforcement, and Forensic Scientists.