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About the Owners
Wayne
Skarka, CEO/Chief Investigator
Wayne began his law enforcement career in 1972 with enlistment into the US Army during the Viet Nam war. He attended Military Police school and was assigned as a Specialist in the Military Police Corps. Wayne’s military career included many highlights. In 1973, Wayne received an award from the 5th Army for his participation in the state funeral for former President, Lyndon B. Johnson. He received many commendations from supervisors during his career and also worked with local police agencies in joint-military police patrols.
After serving in the United States Army, Wayne completed stints with the Texas and California National Guard.
Wayne holds a degree in criminal justice from Central Texas College and has attended the University of Houston and the College of the Mainland. Wayne has trained with many esteemed organizations including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice.
Wayne’s civilian law enforcement career began with the Killeen, Texas Police Department. He later worked with the Rockdale, Texas, Lake Jackson, Texas and Brazoria County, Texas Sheriff’s Departments. In 1980, Wayne joined the San Mateo, California Police Department. Wayne retired from law enforcement in 1989.
Wayne has instructed classes in Traffic Safety, Drunk Driving, Drug Diversion and Alcohol Awareness. He has also instructed claims adjusters throughout California on claimant and provider fraud.
Wayne has qualified as an "expert witness" on numerous topics in Municipal, Superior and Federal courts.
Wayne's Personal and Professional Achievements:
- In 1978, Wayne was appointed Sergeant of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department. At this time, Wayne at the age of 23 was the youngest Sergeant in the Department’s recorded history. Brazoria County is the seventh largest Sheriff’s Department in the State of Texas. Wayne received many commendations and letters of accomplishment. In one such letter he was lauded for achieving a "100% convictions rate" by the County District Attorney.
- After joining the San Mateo Police Department, Wayne was appointed to the Criminal Investigation Division. He worked in the Narcotics Unit, Property Crimes Unit and Persons Crimes Unit.
- Wayne was elected to the San Mateo Police Officers Association Board of Directors. He served as Treasurer and three terms as President of the Board.
- In 1987, Wayne was elected to the Board of Directors of the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs, a statewide police group of more than 7,000 police officers.
- In 1991, Wayne and Merrilee Riley began Warrant Investigations. Since this time, the company has grown from a small company to an industry leader throughout California. We currently investigate several hundred claims per year. As of 2008, we approach 8,000 successful investigations.
Wayne continues to serve the community. He has volunteered as a little league coach, board member and alternate on the Placer County Grand Jury. In 2000, Wayne received letters of appreciation from the Chief of Police of Roseville, the Placer County District Attorney and from the California State Senate.
Merrilee Langlois Riley, CFO/Assistant Chief Investigator
Merrilee’s family has a long history in the workers’ compensation industry. Her father, Gordon Langlois, retired after serving 30 years with State Compensation Insurance Fund. When Gordon retired, he was District Manager for the San Jose State Fund office. Gordon continues to advise Warrant Investigations on claims matters.
A graduate in 1980 from the California State University at Sacramento, Merrilee received a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, Police Administration. During that time, Merrilee also worked as a claims assistant for State Compensation Insurance Fund.
Merrilee, resides in Southern California where she manages both the Northern and Southern California internal operations and marketing for Warrant Investigations. Merrilee also conducts AOE/COE investigations in Southern California.