Wende Kerl - Private Investigator, CEO, Owner

Wende retired in February 2025 after 30 years of sworn service as a Detective from a large metropolitan police department in NC. Wende retired while working in the Special Operations Bureau- Criminal Intelligence Division.

Responsibilities covered included but not limited to: Threat assessments, Background investigations, Dignitary protection, Drone security and detection, Police impersonation, school/business threats.

Other assignments Wende has worked are in high crime area patrol Divisions and as a Crime Stoppers Detective. Wende was the first Detective to work with WBTV on air presenting Crime Stopper of the week to assist with obtaining leads on cases while maintaining strict confidentiality for tipsters.

As a Detective Wende built her career on uncovering the truth and solving complex cases while building strong relationships with the public. Wende’s cases have involved surveillance operations, detailed interviews and preparing detailed reports that are court ready.

Now as a state certified Private Investigator and CEO of Investigative Edge LLC she will bring that same professionalize to her clients. Wende is now available for PI work, Background Investigations, Security Consulting, Dignitary protection and other PI needs. Wende will also oversee a ABC permitting and consulting team.

“Uncovering truths with precision” - Investigative Edge PI & Consulting!

Chris Rains - ABC Permitting Case Manager and Consultant

Chris retired from 28 years of Law Enforcement service in 2022 at the rank of Sgt after tours with the Davison County Sheriffs Office and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Chris is a graduate of N.C. State university and holds an Advance Law Enforcement Certificate from NC Justice Academy.

During his career he has worked in several roles and units to include: Patrol, Community Police Officer, Street Crimes, Federal Task Force, and as an adjunct instructor at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Academy. His supervisory experience includes: Patrol Supervisor, FBI Task Force Sgt and CMPD ABC Beverage Control unit Supervisor.

Chris has held federal credentials and clearance with FBI and ATF as well as being duly sworn with the Mecklenburg County ABC board Law Enforcement.

As a CMPD ABC Unit Supervisor Chris reviewed and approved N.C. ABC permit investigations to include 001 (initial liquor permits), Special One Times, Limited Occasion, ABC permit extensions as well as overseeing the City of Charlotte Dance hall and sexually orientated business Detective.

Chris will bring his experience and knowledge to assist business owners obtain the necessary permits for their ABC establishment. He will also be an ABC consultant to assist with ABC day to day operations, training, security advisement, violations and any other ABC needs that arise.

Chris is now available and will be covering the Wilmington and Eastern part of NC for Investigative Edge PI & Consulting.

Kenny Sims - ABC Permitting specialist and Consultant

Kenny retired from Law Enforcement after 33 years of service. Kenny retired from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department as a Detective in the Special Investigations ABC unit.

Kenny also held positions in patrol and as a community police officer where he developed an alternative punishment program that gave youth the opportunity to help the public.

Kenny is currently a NC state armed security guard with the PPSB board.

As an ABC Detective Kenny was responsible for investigating the ABC applicants request for permits. This included the background and investigation on the purposed ABC establishment location. Kenny was duly sworn with the Mecklenburg ABC County ABC board Law Enforcement and worked closely with Meck County ABC Law Enforcement as well as State Alcohol Law Enforcement. Kenny held ABC inspection power and was able to investigate and submit violations to the State ABC board.

Kenny will now bring this expertise for use to new and existing ABC establishments. He will cover the Charlotte and surrounding area for Investigative Edge PI & Consulting.