Pat began his law enforcement career in 1973 and was involved continuously in crime scenes and fingerprints for over fifty years, first as a police officer latent print expert, and since 1986 as a civilian law enforcement specialist. His first experience of being confronted with fabricated latent fingerprint evidence came in the early 1990s at the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Lab in Tucson. Since then, he has researched the topic extensively, written articles for peer reviewed scientific journals on the detection of fabricated latent print evidence, done numerous presentations to the International Association for Identification (IAI), the Fingerprint Society in Great Britain, International Association of Forensic Sciences in Australia, and other international professional organizations. Mr. Wertheim has taught hundreds of classes and workshops worldwide and consulted on numerous controversial cases of alleged latent print forgery and fabrication by both defense and prosecution attorneys.

He loved being involved with the science of fingerprints on all levels and was a Distinguished life-sustaining member of the International Association for Identification and the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists, as well as a member of Texas and California Divisions of IAI. He served for nearly two decades on the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study & Technology, as well as the editorial board for the Journal of Forensic Identification.

Pat served for two decades on the global Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST), helping to establish guidelines for best practices in fingerprint use. He’s testified in numerous Daubert hearings, and has held certifications as a senior crime scene analyst, certified ten print examiner, and certified latent print examiner.

His numerous high-profile cases involving erroneous identifications, latent print fabrication and fingerprint forgery led him to author ground-breaking articles on detection of forged and fabricated latent print evidence, revealing the extent that corrupt law enforcement personnel have gone to fabricate evidence. Pat investigated high profile cases such as the murder of Sir Harry Oakes in the Bahamas, the Shirley McKie erroneous fingerprint identification in Scotland, the fabrication of evidence against Fred Van Der Vyver in South Africa, and forged fingerprints on an alleged Jackson Pollock canvas.

Pat was well into finishing his book with co-author Kathy Saviers, with the working title “False Fingerprints”.  The book will an insider’s view of some of the most controversial fingerprint cases in the last century. The book will offer forensic professionals and attorneys alike a reference guide to all of the methods of forging or fabricating latent fingerprint evidence. For the general public interested in forensics and true crime, the book will give insights into gripping real-life accounts of corruption, bringing bad cops to justice, and exonerating wrongly accused individuals.

Pat’s lifelong mission was to ensure that forensic science served justice—not just by correctly interpreting fingerprint evidence, but by safeguarding the innocent from wrongful convictions. His relentless pursuit of truth led to the exoneration of falsely accused individuals, using science to challenge flawed evidence and uphold the highest ethical standards.

Yet beyond his groundbreaking contributions to forensic science, Pat’s greatest joy came from mentoring the next generation. He dedicated himself to empowering aspiring examiners and young professionals, equipping them not only with technical expertise but with the integrity to carry forward his fight for ethical, responsible use of forensic evidence. His legacy is now in the hands of the thousands he trained—those who will continue his work, ensuring the pursuit of justice remains fair and unwavering.

We invite you to join us in honoring his life and legacy at a virtual celebration of life on Sunday, March 23rd—his 77th birthday. Details will follow. His forthcoming book, set for release in 2026, will further cement his impact on the field, and we encourage you to pre-order his book on the website to show the publishers what a large following he has.

With deep gratitude for the role each of you played in Pat’s remarkable journey,
His Loving Family

Lone Star Forensic Journal-In Memoriam - Pat Wertheim

Pat Alexander Wertheim, 76, of Arlington TX passed away Saturday, March 1^st surrounded by family. He was a loving father and grandfather, and was the best storyteller. He forged numerous memories of family vacations and camping trips for his family over decades.

His lifetime career interest and passion involved crime scene and fingerprint examination. A true giant in forensic science, Pat dedicated over five decades to shaping the field of fingerprint analysis with unwavering passion, integrity, and brilliance. His impact is immeasurable—training thousands of fingerprint examiners, guiding hundreds of criminal justice agencies worldwide, and setting the highest standards for forensic best practices and ethical evidence analysis. A graduate of Boerne High School, and Texas A&M, with a degree in Geophysics, he served on the Kerrville, TX Police department from 1973-1979, Plano Police Department from 1980-1989, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory in Tucson, AZ from 1989-1977, and 2001-2010.  From there, he moved into training and consulting, served on various working groups, taught courses, and conducted major investigations around the world.

Pat was also a renowned author with work published in major journals and an upcoming book titled “False Fingerprints”. He battled cancer for over 20 years with a positive attitude. He is survived by his sweetheart Bobby Lilly of Arlington TX; his children, Katrina Wertheim of Maine, and Kerry Wertheim of CT; his brother Paul Wertheim of TX, and sister Debbie Wertheim of North Carolina. Grandchildren, Krystelle Wertheim Gilbert, Kira Wertheim Sprouse, Jessie Willey, Eli Willey, Jocelyn Wertheim, and Maynard Wertheim.

Pat’s virtual celebration of life will be held Saturday May 31 at 1:00pm EST in the USA, at this link: https://patwertheim.com/remembrance/