Andrew J. O’Connell is a seasoned professional with a background as a former federal prosecutor and federal agent who specializes in investigative, monitoring, and regulatory compliance matters. Mr. O’Connell oversees and conducts private investigations and security assessments throughout the United States and the world. Additionally, he has played a key role in several of the firm’s large monitorship engagements.
With extensive experience in federal prosecution and corporate internal investigations, Mr. O’Connell possess a deep understanding of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and government enforcement investigations. His expertise extends to intellectual property matters, business intelligence gathering, and litigation support in civil, criminal, white-collar, and government enforcement actions. Additionally, he has a proven track record of conducting foreign and domestic threat assessments and providing security consulting and protection services to high-profile individuals and dignitaries.
Notable Guidepost Projects
- Served as the Deputy Monitor for General Motors and Deutsche Bank, and a key member of the monitoring team for the New York City Housing Authority.
- Managed and led several monitorships pursuant to consent decrees from federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, among others.
- Led a large-scale investigation for the BP oil spill, overseeing 17,000 investigators across the Gulf states for 2 years, resulting in savings of $2 billion for BP.
- Performed comprehensive due diligence investigations for a global defense company’s U.S. subsidiary, adhering to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This involved evaluating third-party advisors worldwide to identify potential corruption risks.
- Led the independent investigation into the events surrounding the tragic shooting at Oxford (Michigan) High School on November 30, 2021.
- Directed an investigation into threats of poison in the supply chain of a South American milk company.
- Supervised projects involving corporate internal investigations, civil and criminal litigation support, IP matters, and business intelligence.
- Investigated and provided support for individuals facing detrimental issues to avoid harassment, indictment, reputational damage, or punitive judgments, involving public officials, celebrities, and organizations.
Professional Background
From 2003 through 2005, Mr. O’Connell was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted federal crimes, including various frauds and financial and electronic crimes, firearm and drug offenses, and violent gangs. He was also involved in prosecuting organized crime and terrorism, and asset forfeiture.
Before becoming a federal prosecutor, from 1998 through 2002, Mr. O’Connell was a litigation attorney in the Washington, DC office of the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he was involved in litigating a wide range of civil, criminal, white collar, and government enforcement actions. Before joining Skadden, from 1997 through 1998, Mr. O’Connell was a law clerk to the Honorable William Osteen, United States District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina.
From 1990 through 1997, Mr. O’Connell was a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, where he investigated federal crimes, including various frauds, financial and electronic crimes, counterfeiting of U. S. currency, and threats against the President. He also protected the President and visiting foreign dignitaries, and conducted foreign and domestic threat assessments.
Did You Know?
Andy qualified as an “expert marksman” when he was a Special Agent with the Secret Service.
