Solving Cases with Heart

She Spies Private Eye Brings Justice And Peace Of Mind

Anji Maddox’s earliest investigations didn’t involve suspects or stakeouts—they started with her own family tree. As a child, she spent hours wandering around cemeteries and poring over research files at libraries alongside her mother, an expert genealogist with a detective’s determination who would frame each trip like a real-life case. “I grew up with her saying, ‘We’re investigating our relatives and family history.’ I loved watching my mom and learning from her.” At home, Anji devoured Nancy Drew mysteries, fueling a dream of joining the FBI or CIA—never imagining that one day she would carve out her own path as a private investigator.

Precision And Creativity

Before stepping into the world of private investigation, Anji served as a juvenile probation officer, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing at-risk youth. Later, while working as a background investigator for the Austin Police Department, she crossed paths with a retired FBI agent who was working as a private investigator.

After teaching her the basics of the industry, he encouraged her to open her own business. In 2003, Anji opened She Spies Private Eye, specializing in domestic investigations, background checks, and child custody cases. What began as a one-woman operation has grown into a full-service, licensed agency with eight, mostly female investigators—including her lifelong-sleuth mother. Having an agency made up mainly of women in a male-dominated industry has proven advantageous. “Women are more detail-oriented and creative,” Anji says. “People don’t always expect women to be PIs, and we can get away with things men can’t—we can change our look with wigs, ball caps, or different clothing.” The agency also employs several male investigators for safety and balance, pairing them with female team members when cases benefit from multiple perspectives.

JUSTICE MEETS COMPASSION

She Spies Private Eye specializes in domestic investigations, including infidelity cases, child custody, corporate investigations, and background checks, as well as a range of services for businesses, law firms, and investors. But for Anji, child-related investigations remain closest to her heart after her time as a juvenile probation officer. “I made it a goal to help children so they end up with the right parent and live in a healthy stable home,” Anji says. “People will tell me I shouldn’t take this job so personally, but as a mom and grandmother, I don’t think we can be effective for these families if we don’t take these cases personally.”

Her team has uncovered unsafe conditions ranging from children left alone for hours to parents’ reckless driving habits. In some cases, they’ve gone undercover—always within strict ethical and legal limits—to gather evidence for family court.

Her case history is nothing if not eclectic—from late-night surveillance in bars and swinger clubs to locating an elderly elephant for a client determined to free it from a circus. Some moments are deeply emotional, like helping reunite estranged family members, like the terminally ill mother who wanted to reconnect with her daughter.

“WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR IS BEING ABLE TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE,” ANJI SAYS.

“When we get calls from clients who are crying on the phone because they have reunited with a long-lost family member or a parent they didn’t know they had, or they won custody of their children and their children are going to be safe—we’re all crying in the office. That’s when I can say, ‘I love doing my job.’ ”

Guided by Integrity

Movies might paint private investigators as shadowy figures who cut corners and break laws, but here in Texas, the reality is very different. Investigators must be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety—a safeguard that keeps the work legal and accountable. Anji recommends clients always verify credentials before hiring anyone. “Don’t shop for the cheapest—shop for who you think will do the best job, even if it’s more expensive,” she says.

That licensing comes with strict boundaries. If a client asks an investigator to find an estranged loved one, they can’t simply hand over a home address without consent. Instead, they might deliver a letter, giving the other person the choice to respond. “At least they’ll know you tried,” Anji says. “But we can’t force contact.” Every investiga-

tor is trained in both ethics and professionalism. “Ethics aren’t optional here. We either can do it or we can’t—end of story.”

Yet even when they follow every law and operate with strict ethics, private investigators often face suspicion when they’re out in the field. Overly curious neighbors may notice an unfamiliar car parked too long and accidentally blow an agent’s cover. But an investigator’s presence can benefit the community. Anji recalls a time her team was on surveillance in a neighborhood and happened to see someone breaking into a car, preventing the theft by reporting it to the police. “It’s good having us,” she says. “We’re actually making sure your whole neighborhood is safe.”

For more information about She Spies Private Eye, and to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation, call 512-246-9889 or visit SheSpiesPI.com

DPS Lic#: A11433