HOWARD COMEN BIO

 

Howard Comen (also known as Howie Comen or Howard Gerald Comen) is a longtime private investigator and owner of Comen Detective Agency in Charleston, South Carolina. He has been a licensed private detective since 1973 and specializes in divorce cases, missing persons, criminal defense, and high-profile investigations involving public corruption.⁠Wcspeakers

Notable Investigations

• In 1989, he led the search for missing bridge inspector Ralph Terry Griggs.
• In the mid-1990s, he investigated the death of Vince Foster (former White House counsel).
• He conducted research into the real-life inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, focusing on 1920s socialite Max von Gerlach (or Max Stark Gerlach). This work involved collaboration with literary professors and received coverage in major outlets.⁠Wcspeakers

His cases have been featured by Geraldo Rivera, Bill O’Reilly, The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, and many other national and international media.

Interfaith and Community Work

Comen has spent over 50 years as a prominent advocate for interfaith and racial harmony. He has collaborated with major religious leaders including the Rebbe Menachem Schneerson, Pope John Paul II, Imam W.D. Mohammed, and others. He co-founded the Charleston Congress of Religions (later evolving into Interfaith Partners of South Carolina) and has worked on initiatives like stopping violence in Crown Heights and promoting dialogue across faiths.⁠Comendetectives

Other Roles and Interests

He is also a journalist, author (including the book Angels on the Bridge: A Private Eye's Spiritual Search for Justice), and public speaker. His speaking topics include:

• True-life private eye cases
• The Great Gatsby investigation
• Interfaith harmony
• Sports and youth development
• Anti-terrorism
• "Make America Healthy Again"
• Staying active in later life

Comen has a strong background in education and sports: he and his wife Michelle taught at a middle school, he has served as a coach and athletic director, and at age 75 he was reportedly offered a one-day professional basketball contract, making him (briefly) the oldest pro player in history. He has also written regular commentaries on faith, diversity, and current events.⁠Comendetectives

Contact

• Website: comendetectives.com
• Email: comendetec@aol.com
• He is available for speaking engagements through agencies like World Class Speakers.⁠Wcspeakers

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