Cellular and Digital Forensics Consultant

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Kristofer S. Lyon is a digital forensics expert specializing in mobile device forensics, cellular network analysis, and geolocation evidence. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Lyon Digital Forensics and a Digital Forensics Consultant with Manzo Digital Forensics, where he analyzes evidence from mobile phones, computers, and GPS equipment; processes and plots geolocation data from call detail records; and prepares detailed forensic reports for legal teams. Since 2018, he has also served as a Digital Forensics Specialist with the Iowa Office of the State Public Defender, where he founded a DOJ grant-funded statewide program assisting attorneys with device extractions, cellular records, and other complex digital evidence. Lyon has testified as an expert witness in numerous Iowa jury trials, including multiple first-degree murder cases, on topics such as mobile device extractions and call logs, cellular geolocation and time-of-flight data, link analysis, iOS application logs, and social media evidence, including Snapchat and Life360 data. He has also provided testimony in depositions and pre-trial hearings across the state and submitted an expert affidavit in a wrongful conviction appeal. His certifications include the IACIS Certified Mobile Device Examiner (ICMDE), Cellebrite Certified Physical Analyst (CCPA), Certified Telecommunications Subject Matter Expert (CTSME), and Certified Cyber Crime Examiner (3CE). He has completed specialized training in forensic cell site survey and analysis, RF engineering, wireless positioning and location, call detail record analysis, QGIS mapping, and OSINT/geolocation investigation techniques, along with advanced coursework in digital forensic analysis (Windows, video, and mobile) through NW3C and Champlain College. He is currently pursuing an M.S. in Digital Forensic Science at Champlain College, expected 2027, and holds a B.A. in Political Science, with Honors, from Lewis & Clark College. Lyon regularly teaches and presents on digital forensics topics, including invited lectures at the University of Iowa College of Law, a presentation at the NAPD National Conference on sources of geolocation data, and recurring trainings for the Iowa Office of the State Public Defender on cellular networks, business records, and digital evidence. He was named Investigator of the Year by the Public Defenders Association of Iowa in 2021 and previously served in Iowa law enforcement, including as Chief of Police for the University Heights Police Department. He is a member of IEEE and IACIS, and has authored forensic research currently under revision for publication in Forensic Science International.