C. Austin Stinecipher Private Investigator
The initial consultation for any investigative work is provided free of charge. During the initial consultation we will discuss your goals for the investigation, any conflicts of interest, budgeting, investigative tasks, and my ability to support your investigative needs. Upon acceptance of your case I will provide an investigative services contract and an invoice.
Free Initial Consultation
I started this company because I want to use my skills to fight for the little guy. My work for multi-million dollar corporations left me unsatisfied. I saw a world in which due process was viewed as a right only in theory. In practice, it was a luxury enjoyed by the wealthy. I hope to eventually transition the business to a non-profit model, but until that day comes I will endeavor to work with my clients through their budgetary limitations.
Budgetary Flexibility
The Role of the Investigator
As an Investigator I will provide a detailed and chronological record of the facts. Factual information will be gathered in an ethical and legal manner while respecting all federal, state, and local laws. In my pursuit of the truth, I will utilize all available sources of information to the best of my ability.
About Me
I graduated from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division as an 0341 forward observer for the 81mm Mortar Platoon. As a Non-Commissioned Officer, I was entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of accounting for, training, and leading the forward observer team.
After receiving an Honorable discharge from active duty in 2021, I began working as a licensed private investigator. For several years I worked for large corporations and insurance companies. In all that time, I never felt like I was making a difference in the lives of everyday Americans. I formed Cipher Investigations in July 2025 to make my skills, time, and expertise accessible to the people who most need it.
South Carolina Licensed Private Investigator
Member of the South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators
Approved Investigator by the South Carolina Commission for Indigent Defense
Lifetime Member of The Citadel Alumni Association
Veteran of the United States Marine Corps
Cipher Investigations, LLC
Investigative Services
Surveillance & Counter-Surveillance
I spent years working as a surveillance investigator on worker's compensation and auto-liability fraud cases. During my work in the corporate world, I was entrusted with the responsibility of training and leading surveillance investigators throughout the states of North and South Carolina. I have the expertise and experience to conduct an ethical surveillance investigation into matters such as infidelity, child custody, employee theft, and other matters. In the field of counter-surveillance, my surveillance experience enables me to effectively conduct counter-surveillance investigations to detect stalkers, harassers, or commercial surveillance.
Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM)
Commonly known as "Bug Sweeps," the field of Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM) is constantly evolving. My ability at detecting these devices primarily stems from my experience at using them during the course of insurance fraud investigations. During the initial consultation, we will discuss your specific needs and my capabilities. If your needs exceed what I am able to provide, I can provide you the contact information for a world class expert in the field of TSCM.
Missing Persons & Subject Locations
My access to commercial databases and experience in conducting neighborhood canvases, alive & well checks, and discreetly verifying the occupancy of a domicile.
Criminal Defense
"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right... to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor..."
U.S. Constitution, Amendment VI
A Criminal Defense investigation is an undertaking that is larger than any one individual. It is an endeavor to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America and protect the right to due process.Service
This list is not comprehensive and we can address your inidividual needs during your free initial consultation.
Service of Process
Service of process by itself does not require an investiagtive services contract and the flat fee option includes three attempts of service.
Area of Service
My home office is located in Lexington, SC. I am licensed in the state of South Carolina and I can travel across the state to suit your investigative needs. South Carolina currently has a limited reciprocity agreement with North Carolina. For cases that originate in South Carolina, they may be worked in North Carolina for up to 30 days. There is no reciprocity agreement between South Carolina and Georgia. I will not be able to continue the investigation if the investigative task requires me to enter the state of Georgia.
Statewide South Carolina Coverage
Travel fees apply for distances greater than 2 hours or 120 miles from my Lexington office.