Hello all WebSleuthers. This is Jay Ward (yes that one, from the trial). I come here in peace, not to stir anyone up or anything up, nor necessarily to defend myself. As I have read this thread and yesterdays, I recognize that there are many of you that question my qualifications, and that is perfectly fine. It's your prerogative.
Also, comments about my hair (or lack thereof), my not being credible as a computer forensics expert and the way I may have come off to some of you while you were looking at me from the courtroom or via the live stream - those are all fair game. I have very thick skin, as most geeks typically do.
Frankly, I wish that I could explain everything that I know about what was on the computer, and maybe I can after the trial is over and the verdict rendered. I'm not here to try and change anyone's mind, but just to clear up a couple of misconceptions that I have seen posted about me. I don't suspect that many of you may care, nevertheless, I'll do my best.
1. Yes, it's true, I took the case pro-bono, and for the reason I stated on the stand. My step-father, whom I loved as much as my real father, was a criminal defense attorney and I had the privilege of learning many valuable lessons from him. I saw him do a great deal of pro-bono work and I followed his lead by first becoming a Guardian ad Litem while still in college. As I had previously indicated, I had intended to follow in his footsteps or into some sort of law enforcement. I also did NOT seek this case out. I honestly had zero knowledge of this case when the defense called me as I do not watch television (except during college football season - Go Gamecocks!), nor do I read the papers.
2. I did not take this case for the fame and notoriety. As a matter of fact, I initially had no idea that the case would be on television. Once I was told it was, I had great trepidation about it. Once I heard that the FBI witnesses were going to be blocked out for "national security" reasons, I did inquire if that same courtesy could be extended to me (though, obviously NOT for national security reasons).
3. For those that question my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, the story is as follows: I initially started off in Chemical Engineering; but quickly became bored with it and thusly moved to on to Biochemistry (as I have always had a love of sciences). Again, I became bored with very rigid and prescribed courses, so I went to my dean of engineering to inquire how I could create my own curriculum in the model of the classical education model (that is, taking classes that I thought would make me a well rounded person and pique my interest). They suggested Interdisciplinary Studies but with some suggestions on classes to include when designing my curriculum. Beyond that, I have always been an autodidact learner, teaching myself most of what I know, outside of formalized education, usually through trial and error and understanding what works. (I guess I have some mild OCD which ostensibly attracted me to computers).
4. Regarding the Facebook pictures - it was quite funny to me, but I can confirm to you that the pictures were in no way partially nude or otherwise. It's up to you to believe me or not. They were: a picture of me in a shirt that was made by a friend for a benefit that says "I'll be nicer when you're smarter." A picture of me with a t-shirt over my head in ninja like garb as seen here:
http://how2dostuff.blogspot.com/2005/11/how-to-make-ninja-mask-out-of-t-shirt.html and a picture of me, smiling and flipping the middle finger.
I recognize some people will likely be offended at the "*advertiser censored*" comment. As a fan of Mr. Zappa, I am in agreement with him when he queries: "What do you make of a society that is so primitive that it clings to the belief that certain words in its language are so powerful that they could corrupt you the moment you hear them?" While not everyone can, or will appreciate my sense of humor, it's targeted towards those that, like myself, see absurdity in pretty much everything. I respect you, even if you disagree with me.
5. Regarding my lack of a corporate web site: as a couple of people have surmised on here, my business does not come from a web presence, but from referrals and repeat customers. If it makes you actually feel any better, the site *is* actually getting ready to launch, just as soon as I can find some spare time to finish with some content to get it to the webmaster.
6. Actually, I agreed with the Judge's ruling not to allow me to testify to forensic practices. As I freely admitted on the stand, while I do have some experience in analyzing forensic data, I would never hold myself out as a forensic expert. I also told the defense this, up front. What I disagreed with, was the DA taking obvious advantage of the Judge's ignorance in technology to claim that so much of what would normally be within my normal purview as analysis as being "forensics". This is simply laughable, but I do understand that the DA also has a job to do and I do not begrudge him. As a matter of fact, I went up to him during the break and told him that I understood he was doing his job and that I held no ill feelings towards him. I extended the same courtesy to Special Agent Johnson from the FBI, and found him to be warm, cordial and genuine. Being involved with Infragard, I find it preferable to be friendly with law enforcement as they will occasionally ask me to advise them as well.
I will likely not be back to answer any questions and I will leave it to you to form your own opinions about me, my motivations and whether or not I have any skillset that you would ever deem appropriate. Such is your right and your judgment.
If you remotely care, you can find somewhat of a CV on my linkedin profile at:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jayward
Kind regards to you all, even those of you who ridicule and attempt to belittle me and my abilities. I have zero ill will towards anyone on here.
Jay:seeya: