Michael Kaste Named Special Agent in Charge of Kansas City Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III today named Michael Kaste special agent in charge of the FBI’s Kansas City Division. Mr. Kaste has served as section chief of the Internal Investigations Section at FBI Headquarters (FBIHQ) since August 2010, where he was responsible for the investigative phase of the FBI’s internal disciplinary process.

Mr. Kaste began his career with the FBI in 1988. His first assignment was to the Chicago Division, where he investigated white-collar crime, organized crime, and drug-related matters. In this role, Mr. Kaste initiated a Public Aid Fraud investigation that uncovered more than $2 million in fraudulent public aid. The investigation also exposed a number of corrupt city of Chicago employees and resulted in the conviction of more than 30 subjects. In addition, Mr. Kaste served as co-case agent on a Mexican/Colombian drug investigation that resulted in the seizure of 1,200 kilograms of cocaine—one of the largest single seizures of cocaine in the state of Illinois.

In 1996, Mr. Kaste was promoted to FBIHQ, where he was assigned to the Latin American/Colombian Unit. In this role, he developed the Enterprise Theory of Investigation (ETI) training program, which was implemented throughout the FBI. This program provides FBI agents with training in sophisticated investigative techniques, to include Title III intercepts, undercover operations, and drug buys.

In 1999, Mr. Kaste was assigned to the Albany Division, where he was responsible for matters involving criminal enterprises, violent crime, and cyber security. In 2001, Mr. Kaste formed the division’s first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). He also supervised both a Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) and an FBI Innocent Images National Initiative Task Force targeting online child predators.

In 2007, Mr. Kaste was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the St. Louis Division. In this role, he oversaw the National Security, Intelligence, and SWAT programs as well as several resident agencies. In 2009, Mr. Kaste assumed responsibility for the Criminal and Cyber Programs in St. Louis. He also served as the deputy on-scene commander in Iraq for five months between 2008 and 2009, where he worked closely with the Department of Defense.

In August 2010, Mr. Kaste was promoted to his most recent position as section chief of the Internal Investigations Section (FBIHQ).

Mr. Kaste is a 1983 graduate of Norwich University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is also a 2006 graduate of Marist College, where he received his master’s degree in public administration. He served in the United States Army as an infantry officer for four years. Mr. Kaste and his wife Tracey have two children.