Up Close: Thomas G. Martin

by John Westcott

A private investigator highly regarded and widely used by attorneys and other clients in Orange County and nationwide, Thomas G. Martin recently appeared on "A Current Affair" and has appeared on other television programs. Martin and his team of investigators sleuth a wide variety of cases, including civil and criminal, background check, surveillance, and missing persons. Before founding Martin Investigative Services in Tustin in 1981, he was a federal narcotics agent.

Born: November 21, 1946
Birthplace: Glendale
Family: Married to Jill Martin for 20 years. One daughter: Lori Martin, 16. One son: David Martin, 19 Residence: Yorba Linda
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite movie: The French Connection
Last book read: "World Class Manufacturing" by Richard J. Schonberger

Hero: The Rev. John Hiltz, parish priest at St. Martin's de Porres, Yorba Linda

Education: Master's degree in public management from University of Redlands; bachelor's degree in scholastic philosophy from St. John's College, Camarillo

Favorite accomplishment: Receiving two US Justice Department special-achievement awards while a drug-enforcement agent

First job: Working on his father's milk routes

Most memorable case: Proving that a man convicted of molesting his daughter was innocent after Martin found the girl's diary. The conviction was overturned on appeal when it was determined the man's daughter and wife made up the incident.

Is investigative work anything like the Hollywood image? "Not really. The work is very tedious and grinding, not anything like TV where you solve everything in 30 to 60 mins. But you do meet some real interesting people, and there's tremendous variety. Everyday, you reach into the cookie jar and you don't know what's going to happen."

Favorite restaurant: Orange Tree Deli, Orange
Religion: Roman Catholic

Most embarrassing moment: Being called up on stage to sing with Tony Orlando and Dawn
Motto or phrase: "Get a job."