Ann McAdams

Investigative Reporter

Wilmington, NC

Ann McAdams has worked in the Wilmington television market for more than 20 years. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a BS in Business in 2000, and accepted a job that summer as a general assignment reporter at WWAY. She later went on to serve as the station's evening anchor and investigative reporter.

In 2011, Ann joined the WECT news team as an investigative reporter and fill-in anchor.

Ann was born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida, but made North Carolina home after coming here for college. She is a mother of two.

When she is away from work, Ann enjoys tennis, reading, cooking, and getting together with family and friends. She and her family attend Wrightsville United Methodist Church. She loves to travel, and favorite destinations (so far!) have included Switzerland, Denmark, The Czech Republic, New York City, and Yellowstone National Park.

If you want to reach Ann, email her at: amcadams@wect.com

If you have a story you'd like WECT to investigate, e-mail: Investigate@wect.com

Awards:

1st Place Education, RTDNAC TV Division II, (WECT Investigates: Late School Buses) 2020

2nd Place Political, RTDNAC TV Division II, (Who’s the Boss? Disputed Columbus County Sheriff’s Race) 2019

2nd Place Hard News Feature, RTDNAC TV Division II, (Veteran’s Family Fights to Bring Sister Home), 2019

2nd Place Investigative, RTDNAC TV Division II, (Weak Teacher Background Checks), 2018

2nd Place Consumer/Economic, RTDNAC TV Division II, (Classic Car Tax), 2016

1st Place Investigative, RTDNAC TV Division II, (CFCC President Resigns), 2015

2nd Place Investigative, RTDNAC TV Division II, (New Hanover County Commissioner Spending) , 2015

1st Place Investigative, RTDNAC TV Division II, (Police Stingray Investigation), 2014

2nd Place Investigative, RTDNAC TV Division II, (Public Housing Income), 2014

2nd Place Consumer, RTDNAC TV Division II (High Hospital Bills), 2013

2nd Place Documentary, RTDNAC TV Division II (The State of Education), 2013

1st Place Investigative, RTDNAC TV Division II (Legislative Prison Transfer Requests), 2012

2nd Place Education, RTDNAC TV Division II (Cost of NC Pre-K), 2012

1st Place Investigative, RTDNAC TV Division II (Sen R.C. Soles Saga), 2010

1st Place Investigative, AP Division II (Sen. R.C. Soles Saga), 2009

2nd Place Consumer/Economic, RTDNAC TV Division II (Missing Down Payment), 2009

Honorable Mention, AP Division II, General News, 2008

1st Place Enterprise Investigative, AP Division II (Crowded School Bus), 2004

1st Place General News, AP Division II (HOA fines family for Christmas decorations), 2004

1st Place, Spot News, AP Division II (Crew Survives being stranded at sea), 2001

Education:

Wake Forest University, Bachelor of Science in Business, cum laude

Recent Articles by Ann

New push to fingerprint teacher candidates in NC

A bill has been introduced in Raleigh that would regulate teacher background checks at the state level, and require teaching applicants to undergo fingerprint-level background checks before being placed in a classroom.

Ann McAdams

Published May 5, 2021 at 3:57 PM

Brunswick County families sue, claiming home elevators failed, causing serious injuries

Within the last year, there have been two separate elevator crashes in Holden Beach. The same type of Waupaca residential elevator, which is subject to a recall, was involved in both cases. Attorneys estimate there are well over 100 of these elevators installed in homes along the local coast.

Ann McAdams

Published May 3, 2021 at 2:28 PM

Crimes of the Cape Fear: FBI secretary murdered in New Hanover Co.

“She was part of the FBI family, and the FBI family wasn’t going to quit on this case until they figured out who did it and why they did it,” retired Agent Larry Bonney said.

Ann McAdams

Published April 28, 2021 at 11:04 AM

New Hanover County shifts to walk-in clinics to keep COVID vaccinations going

The demand for COVID-19 vaccinations has dropped considerably in recent weeks, so health officials are shifting to a new strategy to get people in the door.

Ann McAdams

Published April 26, 2021 at 8:01 PM

Former student testifies about kidnapping, rape at Wilmington apartment

Lee is accused of jumping over the railing of a first story balcony on Litchfield Way, wearing a mask a wielding a gun, and then attacking a college couple that was sitting on the porch.

Ann McAdams

Published April 26, 2021 at 3:39 PM

WECT Investigates: Moving company accused of taking entire household of furniture bound for Wilmington and disappearing

“He had all my belongings, and my money, and he disappeared, and no one cared and nobody seemed like there was anything that could be done. I was lucky if any agency even return my calls," homeowner Larry Ward said.

Ann McAdams

Published April 23, 2021 at 8:13 PM

Pender County man suing sheriff’s department hopes lawsuit saves dogs’ lives

While postal carriers and meter readers who also encounter dogs on a regular basis are taught how to deal with them, Benson says many law enforcement officers are not adequately trained to avoid dog attacks. Instead, he says they’re resorting to lethal force.

Ann McAdams

Published April 22, 2021 at 8:06 PM

Residents expected to be able to return to condemned Leland apartments Friday

Repairs are underway at Brunswick Point Apartments, after residents in one building had to be evacuated Wednesday. In two separate incidents Wednesday, people using the stairwell were injured when the concrete stairs crumbled beneath them.

Ann McAdams

Published April 15, 2021 at 4:26 PM

New plant-based COVID-19 vaccine being tested in Wilmington

"The vaccine for this study is plant-based, meaning that it is produced inside of plants and plant cells instead of animal or human cells as many vaccines are," explained pharmacist Evan Lucas. “The plants produce virus-like particles which look very similar to coronavirus but do not make you sick."

Ann McAdams

Published April 13, 2021 at 12:17 PM

Proposed database would track potential problem law enforcement officers

A Wilmington lawmaker is working to pass a bill that would make it easier for law-enforcement agencies to track troubled officers in North Carolina. It would also track others who never got in trouble, but may have exhibited warning signs that could indicate future trouble.

Ann McAdams

Published April 12, 2021 at 6:34 PM

Restaurants struggle to find workers as pandemic eases

There are signs up at restaurants all around Wilmington advertising that they are hiring for all positions. Restaurant owners say business is picking up as COVID-19 numbers go down, but they are struggling to hire employees to handle the increased demand.

Ann McAdams

Published March 31, 2021 at 3:10 PM

Search warrants reveal new details in Landreth murder investigation

Warrants help explain how Landreth's body was found. Anonymous tips helped them find her vehicle, and witnesses who say suspect tried to sell them the guns an pickup truck stolen from her.

Ann McAdams

Published March 30, 2021 at 1:42 PM

Southport Marina boat owners asked to cover millions in hurricane damage to docks

It was an unwelcome surprise to boat owners, who already suffered extensive damage to their boats when Hurricane Isaias roared ashore in Brunswick County, decimating the Southport Marina.

Ann McAdams

Published March 25, 2021 at 4:26 PM

Wilmington-area Democrats protest Rep. Rouzer’s voting record on guns, police brutality

A group of local Democrats gathered together Wednesday to protest recent mass shootings and police brutality. They also condemned Congressman David Rouzer for what they view as his failure to act to protect his constituents from police and gun violence.

Ann McAdams

Published March 24, 2021 at 3:12 PM

Unjustified deadly force lawsuit proceeding against Pender Co. deputy

It’s a story that made headlines in other parts of the state. But it wasn’t until two years after Nicholas Kehagias was hired as a Pender County Sheriff’s Deputy that many in Southeastern North Carolina learned of his infamous track record in Harnett County.

Ann McAdams

Published March 22, 2021 at 2:30 PM

Man shot after forcing way into deputy’s home now in jail under $450k bond

According to the NHC Sheriff’s Office website, Coniglio was formally arrested on Mar. 6th. Before that, he had been in the hospital after being shot by Detective Leyla Davis-Woodhouse on February 24.

Ann McAdams

Published March 18, 2021 at 11:52 AM

Medwick on Brunswick Doppler radar issue: ‘The pace at which it’s not being addressed is frustrating’

Six years after the National Weather Service determined there were problems with the KTLX Doppler radar in Shallotte, residents are still waiting for a solution. Meteorologists say they can't see the full picture to warn residents about severe weather because of the Doppler's shortcomings.

Ann McAdams

Published March 11, 2021 at 3:58 PM

SBI investigating misconduct allegations at Chadbourn Police Dept., Chief on leave

Chadbourn Police Chief Anthony Spivey is off the job on paid administrative leave, town officials confirmed to WECT Wednesday. Town Manager Jerome Chestnut would not elaborate on the nature of the investigation, but said he made the decision to place Spivey on leave last Friday.

Ann McAdams

Published March 10, 2021 at 5:15 PM

Woman sues to recoup thousands overpaid in taxes to Bladen County

The Bladen County Tax Administrator discovered that they had been taxing Whitted on all 40 acres of her property, rather than just the 29 acres she owns in Bladen County, for the last 18 years.

Ann McAdams

Published March 4, 2021 at 1:48 PM

Murder trial begins for man charged in deadly house fire

Six years after two people were killed in a house fire, the man blamed for their murder is going on trial. 14-year-old Makayla Pickett, who was blind, was never able to escape the house. Her great-aunt, Pamela Pickett, made it outside, but did not survive..

Ann McAdams

Published March 1, 2021 at 5:46 PM

“I shot him twice.” 911 calls reveal frantic moments after man allegedly pushes his way inside off-duty deputy’s home

According to neighbors who live nearby and overheard the altercation, the deputy told Coniglio not to come any closer or she’d have to draw her weapon. In short order, a bystander heard two shots, and called 911 for help.

Ann McAdams

Published February 25, 2021 at 5:44 PM

Crimes of the Cape Fear: FBI ‘Colcor’ sting uncovered hotbed of corruption in Southeastern North Carolina

It was an undercover FBI operation that went on for well over a year in the early 1980s. Dubbed “Colcor” by federal officials, the far reaching organized crime scandal shocked the community with the eventual arrest of over 50 people, including about a dozen public officials.

Ann McAdams

Published February 24, 2021 at 7:57 PM

$188 million Powerball jackpot winner sued by former fiancé

In the months after their relationship ended, the lawsuit claims McDow learned Holmes had given away his clothes, sold his property, and closed his auto restoration business.

Ann McAdams

Published February 15, 2021 at 2:41 PM

United Kingdom variant of COVID-19 confirmed in Pender County

Both patients recovered from the virus last week, but the Health Department was just made aware Wednesday that the strain of the virus they contracted was unique.

Ann McAdams

Published February 11, 2021 at 9:22 PM

Novant discontinues prompt pay discount for patients at NHRMC

WECT has confirmed that New Hanover Regional Medical Center will no longer be offering patients the popular “prompt pay discount” now that it has officially merged with Novant Health. WECT was made aware the 25% discount was discontinued by a disappointed patient.

Ann McAdams

Published February 4, 2021 at 4:40 PM

NC unemployment overpayment notices surprise, upset residents

Of the $70 million in overpayments across the state, officials estimate only $7-8 million was due to fraud. The rest seems to involve honest mistakes by applicants for unemployment, many of whom had never been out of work before or needed to file for assistance.

Ann McAdams

Published February 1, 2021 at 11:19 AM

Oral surgeon charged with sexually assaulting patients now under investigation for Medicaid billing concerns

The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners is investigating the unusual billing trends of Dr. Michael Hassan, the same Wilmington oral surgeon already facing dozens of criminal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting his female patients while they were sedated.

Ann McAdams

Published January 26, 2021 at 4:24 PM

U.S. Attorney General’s Office declines to prosecute potential fraud with bidding for Wilmington VA Clinic

The VA’s Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) claimed they got 14 competing offers to build the clinic, but were only able to produce two of those offers for investigators, despite federal requirements to keep that paperwork.

Ann McAdams

Published January 26, 2021 at 11:12 AM

NHCS expands sexual assault training for students and teachers, hires investigator

New Hanover County Schools has come a long way in its efforts to effectively prevent and deal with sexual assault, and it’s letting the public know about it.

Ann McAdams

Published January 21, 2021 at 3:03 PM

Lennon Lacy FBI File: How authorities determined suicide, not lynching

The FBI file from the case was recently released to WECT. Though heavily redacted, newly revealed details help explain how investigators determined Lacy died by his own hands.

Ann McAdams

Published January 20, 2021 at 7:52 PM

Currently in
Wilmington, NC

Ann McAdams

Investigative Reporter

Wilmington, NC

Education:

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