President + Founder

Krista Shelton, CFE, embodies the essence of professional dedication and excellence. Founder and President of Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC, Krista offers an unparalleled depth of knowledge and leadership, reinforced by over a decade of distinguished service as a Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Her tenure at the IRS, combined with her current role, equips Krista with a comprehensive understanding of financial fraud's complexities, positioning her as a formidable force in the fight against economic crimes.

Now serving in the private sector, Krista leverages her extensive experience, federal training, and personal dedication to provide clients with forensic accounting services of unparalleled quality. Her leadership guides the firm in unraveling financial mysteries, ensuring that clients receive thorough, accurate, and timely insights to address their most challenging fraud concerns. Krista S. Shelton’s legacy is marked not only by her professional achievements but also by her profound impact on the field of forensic accounting and the broader community she serves.

Krista holds the esteemed designations of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Enrolled Agent (EA), the latter representing the highest credential awarded by the IRS. These certifications are not just titles but a reflection of Krista’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of fraud examination and taxpayer representation.

Krista’s career is highlighted by her adeptness in navigating the murky waters of financial crimes, including money laundering, violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, and intricate tax fraud cases. Her analytical expertise shines through in her ability to dissect complex financial data, drawing from both domestic and international sources to piece together the jigsaw of criminal activity. Notably, Krista’s investigative acumen extends beyond analysis; she is skilled in witness and subject interviews, surveillance, undercover operations, and the execution of warrants, showcasing a versatile skill set in securing justice.

Her hands-on experience in case preparation and courtroom testimony further underscores her role as a critical asset to law enforcement and legal teams. Krista's recommendations have led to successful prosecutions, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted advisor in legal circles.

Beyond her primary responsibilities, Krista’s leadership extends to the coordination of a financial crimes task force, where she has been instrumental in training members on the nuances of reviewing financial records and conducting thorough investigations. Her contributions to the Midwest Anti-Money Laundering Conference as a planning committee member, speaker, and panelist have enriched the knowledge base of attendees, fostering a collaborative environment for tackling financial crimes.

Before her illustrious career in criminal investigation, Krista honed her expertise and ethical foundation in the IRS Small Business/Self-Employed (SBSE) Division as an Internal Revenue Agent. This role solidified her proficiency in examining Federal Income Tax Returns for individuals and small businesses, navigating complex tax laws and regulations with ease and precision.

Krista’s profound dedication to community service and philanthropy is distinguished by her receipt of the Fred Von Behren Good Citizen Award from the Maryville, MO Chamber of Commerce in 2023. This honor celebrates her unwavering commitment to volunteerism, leadership in charitable organizations, and significant contributions to societal advancement. A vital link to her community and its history, Krista is the sixth generation living on her family's farm, established in 1856, drawing inspiration from a legacy of service initiated by her grandmother, founder of the Beverly Shelton Girls Town Club in 1972.

In her continued pursuit of creating lasting positive change, Krista holds influential roles on the boards of two non-profit organizations: Lettuce Dream and Second Harvest Community Food Bank. At Lettuce Dream, she champions career education and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, whereas her work with Second Harvest addresses hunger and food insecurity in the region, ensuring those in need have access to nutritious meals. Through her diverse spectrum of community involvement, Krista embodies the spirit of service and leadership, dedicating herself to initiatives that foster meaningful and enduring impacts within her community.