Ernst & Young LLP expands Forensic practice in Texas and Southwest

DALLAS and HOUSTON, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP today announced that it has strengthened its Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services (FIDS) practice in Texas and the Southwest with several key personnel changes.

"We've seen a surge in the need for forensic accounting investigations in the energy industry and Ernst & Young has responded by focusing on this growing industry in the Southwest," said Brian Loughman, FIDS Leader for the firm. "We're committed to helping our clients address their fraud prevention and financial integrity issues. Elevating new leadership, developing internal talent, and recruiting top practitioners in the marketplace signal our investment to clients in this space."

Based in Dallas, Daniel Torpey will assume leadership responsibilities for Ernst & Young LLP's FIDS practice in the Southwest, covering Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. He previously led the Forensic Technology & Dispute Services (FTDS) practice, where he oversaw the data analysis and information gathering on some of the largest forensic investigations in the industry. He also has served as the leader of the firm's Insurance Claims group. Torpey, a former auditor with more than 25 years of experience in public accounting, has testified as an expert witness in state and federal proceedings and was one of the designated experts on financial damages at the World Trade Center from the events of September 11, 2001. 

Ryan Pratt has become a principal of the firm and will be returning to his hometown of Houston. Pratt, previously in Ernst & Young LLP's Chicago's office, will lead the Houston FIDS practice and assist clients in the energy industry and Southwest area. Pratt has a wide range of forensic experience including fraud investigations, litigation advisory, forensic technology and insurance claims. Pratt joined Ernst & Young LLP in Dallas in 2002. Prior to joining the firm, Pratt was a manager in Arthur Andersen LLP's forensic accounting practice where he worked with companies to address fraud, forensic M&A due diligence and other business disputes. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in both Finance and Economics from Baylor University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a member of the CFA Institute.

Scott Witte has been promoted to Director. He has extensive experience in the energy industry and the areas of investigations, disputes, corporate compliance and electronic discovery. Witte specializes in identifying emerging issues and coordinating Ernst & Young LLP's array of services to assist corporate clients and law firms. A graduate of Purdue University, he is a combat veteran who retired from the Marine Corps Reserves on June 1 as a Lieutenant Colonel with 23 years of active and reserve service.

Jeff Ferguson joins Ernst & Young LLP as a partner in Dallas. Previously with FTI Consulting, Ferguson will help companies embed advanced fraud detection techniques to improve the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs and will assist clients in the prevention and detection of fraud and other financial malfeasance. He has extensive experience in fraud and forensic investigations involving matters such as Ponzi schemes, earning management and manipulation of financial results, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, asset misappropriation, and other types of fraudulent activities. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Texas. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, certified in financial forensics, and has testified as an expert witness in federal court.

These established and emerging leaders join a team of more than 80 local forensic professionals serving the Southwest and the energy industry.

Today, prominent oil and gas, accounting and compliance practitioners will gather with Ernst & Young LLP's FIDS professionals to address risk and compliance at a seminar at The St. Regis Hotel in Houston. Speakers will share insights and updates on emerging risk areas, including antitrust, FCPA and the return of financial statement fraud, due diligence and corporate board perspectives.

About Ernst & Young's Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services
Dealing with complex issues of fraud, regulatory compliance and business disputes can detract from efforts to achieve your company's potential. Better management of fraud risk and compliance exposure is a critical business priority – no matter the industry sector. With more than 1,600 fraud investigation and dispute professionals around the world, we assemble the right multidisciplinary and culturally aligned team to work with you and your legal advisors. And we work to give you the benefit of our broad sector experience, our deep subject matter knowledge and the latest insights from our work worldwide. It's how Ernst & Young makes a difference. 

About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.

This news release is issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member firm providing services to clients in the US.

SOURCE Ernst & Young LLP