Connecting Experts. Bringing Peace of Mind
Providing and Connecting Resources to Those in Need of Investigative Services
Dedicated to Justice
Mission Statement
The Investigative Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Cleveland, Tennessee. We are dedicated to assisting families impacted by crime and crisis in the wake of unsolved cases, such as unsolved homicide, missing persons, unidentified persons, unsolved arson, and unsolved sexual assault. When cold case units are shut down, families are grieving without answers, victims are without justice, and communities are without peace. We believe that every story deserves to be heard and every life deserves to be fought for. When law enforcement resources become limited, we step in to help bring healing and awareness to the ever-growing needs in our own communities. We connect families in crisis to professional investigative services, legal aid, trauma and grief counseling, and other vital resources at little to no cost that they otherwise may not have access to due to financial or social status. For the public, we offer free community safety classes each month and we are working to build a digital cold case database.
About The Investigative Foundation
Vision
To advocate for victims and ensure investigative resources are accessible to all — working to provide justice, safety, and peace of mind for every individual.
Mission
“Provide and connect resources to those in need of investigative services."
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and connections to professional investigative services for those in need, advocating for victims and serving those in need of investigative services through the meticulous uncovering of truth and resolution of conflicts.
Missing Persons in Bradley County
In The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, there currently are 11 people missing from Cleveland, Tennessee. Though time has passed, the love for them has not. Still Missing. Still Loved. The Investigative Foundation stands with the families still searching for truth.
Heller Anne Calia Sample - missing for 43 years
Patricia Louise Kelley - missing for 43 years
Nancy Debra Willis - missing for 39 years
Melvin Bruce Buckner - missing for 25 years
Donnie Lee Payne - missing for 17 years
Marsha Ellen Brantley - missing for 16 years
Bryan Keith Smith - missing for 10 years
Kevin Floyd - missing for 7 years
Kacey Nicole Carter - missing for 7 years
Katrina Goode Allen - missing for 6 years
John Risati Boyd - missing for 2 years
Who We Serve
Who we Serve
- Individuals
- Law Enforcement
- Communities
- NGOs
- Corporations
Our Network
- Investigative Professionals
- Psychologists & Therapists
- Legal Professionals
- Local and Federal Law Enforcement Professionals
- Nonprofit Experts
- Marketing Professionals
Meet Our Team
Wesley Cepin
Co-Founder
Director of Strategic Development
Wes has worn many hats. Most commonly admired as a talented musician and teacher, he has found success and meaning as a Private Investigator. As the founder of Bradley PI, he has taken on numerous cases and built a vast network. He realizes that these skills and services can be used to help communities as a whole and segments of the population who could not access them. He is passionate about networking professionals and helping people find peace of mind. Wes operates as the main point of contact for the organization.
Jada Hilton
Director of
Public Relations
Jada Hilton is a dedicated professional committed to making a positive impact through her work. Known for her strong leadership, integrity, and passion for meaningful connection, she strives to inspire growth and excellence in every endeavor.
Wesley Cepin
Co-Founder,
Director of Strategic Development
Wes has worn many hats. Most commonly admired as a talented musician and teacher, he has found success and meaning as a Private Investigator. As the founder of Bradley PI, he has taken on numerous cases and built a vast network. He realized that these skills and services could be used to help communities as a whole and segments of the population who could not access them. He is passionate about networking professionals and helping people find peace of mind. Wes operates as the main point of contact for the organization.
Jada Hilton
Director of
Public Relations
Before Jada stepping into her current leadership role, Jada worked as a private investigator, a career that sparked her deep interest in uncovering truth and advocating for ethical investigations. Her passion for the field led her to meet Wes Cepins, the Foundation’s founder, and together they’ve helped shape the organization’s mission of empowering public awareness through integrity and fact-driven inquiry.
Our Holistic Approach
We only take on cases that promote the common good. We begin by conducting a thorough review of case details — gathering all available information to understand the case fully. After having a full view we determine whether the case is a good fit.
Initial Assessment
The Investigative Foundation is a network of legal experts, private investigators, forensic experts and more. We leverage all resources available to help bring peace of mind and resolution.
Utilizing Experts
Partnering with Law Enforcement
Our goal is to help come aside law enforcement to help present new evidence or resources that may help aid in bringing clarity and resolution.
Our team is more than just investigative experts. We are intentionally partnered with therapists and chaplains to help bring peace of mind to those left behind.



