Ann McAdams

Investigative Reporter

Wilmington, NC

Ann McAdams has worked in the Wilmington television market for more than 10 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.

She has won a number of awards from the NC Associated Press and the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas during her career including:

2013

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

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

2012

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

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

2010

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

2009

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

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

2008

Honorable Mention, AP Division II, General News

2004

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

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

2001

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

Ann is married to Richard Bumgardner, an internal medicine physician at East Columbus Primary Care. They live in Wilmington and have two young children, William and Elizabeth. Ann was born and raised in Winter Haven, FL.

When she is away from work, Ann enjoys pilates, reading, cooking, and getting together with family and friends. She and her family attend First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. She and Richard love to travel, and one of their favorite places to visit is the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

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:

2nd Place Consumer, RTDNA TV Division II (High Hospital Bills), 2013
2nd Place Documentary, RTDNA TV Division II (The State of Education), 2013
1st Place Investigative, RTDNA TV Division II (Legislative Prison Transfer Requests), 2012
2nd Place Education, RTDNA TV Division II (Cost of NC Pre-K), 2012
1st Place Investigative, RTDNA 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, RTDNA 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

City spends $500K to settle lawsuit after questionable arrest on child rape allegations

The criminal charges against James Bader were leveled in the midst of a bitter child custody battle, and were later dismissed due to lack of evidence to warrant prosecution.

Ann McAdams

Published June 10, 2019 at 1:59 PM

Lawyers file notice of appeal in Columbus County sheriff’s election dispute

Attorneys challenging the outcome of the November election for Columbus County sheriff filed a notice of appeal Friday with the North Carolina State Board of Elections. They also plan to file a complaint and a Motion for a Stay of certification with Wake County Superior Court.

Ann McAdams

Published June 7, 2019 at 11:57 AM

After overcoming a $1.5 million budget shortfall last fiscal year, the college is projecting a $2 million shortfall this year.State funding for community college works is based on past enrollment, and with a booming economy, enrollment at the college was down in recent years.

Ann McAdams

Published June 3, 2019 at 3:15 PM

Attorney “astounded” by mayor’s comments about ongoing H2GO lawsuit

The comments Belville Mayor Mike Allen made during a May 21st meeting of the H2GO sanitary district board were recorded, and attorneys familiar with the recording say it sounds as if Allen is admitting he is using the legal appeals process to avoid complying with a judge’s order.

Ann McAdams

Published May 31, 2019 at 1:55 PM

Town spends over $500,000 fighting $1,500 property damage claim

It took five years, and over half a million dollars in attorneys’ fees, but a Brunswick County couple has finally won their case against the City of Boiling Spring Lakes. Ed and Debra Wilkie sued the City of Boiling Spring Lakes in 2014, after the city flooded their property by raising the lake.

Ann McAdams

Published May 16, 2019 at 4:01 PM

Two boats capsize in separate incidents off Topsail Beach

A Pender County family is lucky to be alive after their boat capsized in Topsail Inlet. It’s the second boat to capsize in that area this year. The first incident in March turned deadly.

Ann McAdams

Published May 13, 2019 at 6:43 PM

Major changes made at Bladen County Board of Elections to improve security

More changes are happening in the wake of the elections fraud investigation in Bladen County. Effective Thursday, the Veterans Services office in Bladen County has been relocated, and will no longer share office space with the Bladen County Board of Election’s Office.

Ann McAdams

Published May 9, 2019 at 2:42 PM

Industry experts concerned with local handyman’s work: ‘He could potentially kill someone’

Officials are concerned that a man repairing chimneys in and around Wilmington is doing dangerous modifications, and putting people at risk. The handyman posted dozens of videos of his repair work online the president of a nationwide chimney sweep group says the work is so faulty it's dangerous.

Ann McAdams

Published April 30, 2019 at 9:18 AM

Utility documents list acting sheriff’s purported residence as commercial account with cow barn

Documents subpoenaed from Duke Energy shed new light on concerns that acting Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene may not have lived in the county prior to his election as required by state law. The documents also indicate there has been an address change on the account.

Ann McAdams

Published April 25, 2019 at 5:53 PM

Another deputy seeking back pay from Columbus Co., says acting sheriff didn’t have authority to fire him

“It is Mr. Campbell’s position that, due to the N.C. State Board of Elections position that Mr. Green’s [sic] election was never certified, Mr. Green was without legal or actual authority to either demote or terminate Mr. Campbell.”

Ann McAdams

Published April 8, 2019 at 2:56 PM

Town clarifies new media policy, says it’s meant to increase, not limit public access

Town manager said he wanted to have a dedicated time each week where department heads would be available to answer reporters' questions.

Ann McAdams

Published April 1, 2019 at 4:52 PM

Acting sheriff fired deputies despite uncertain election results

In the midst of unprecedented confusion in Columbus County over who should be serving as sheriff, some deputies have been terminated from their job. While North Carolina law generally gives sheriffs broad latitude to fire at will, pending legal challenges bring the recent firings under scrutiny.

Ann McAdams

Published March 28, 2019 at 6:23 PM

State board sends sheriff’s election protest back to Columbus County, requires officials to take up residency issue

The dispute over the Columbus County sheriff's race is headed back to local officials.

Ann McAdams

Published March 21, 2019 at 6:13 PM

Leland supporting Cape Fear Crossing route that spares Brunswick Forest, puts other neighborhoods at risk

Good news for some Brunswick County residents is causing anxiety for others. On Monday, Leland Town Council voiced support for a plan that would spare Brunswick Forest and Mallory Creek residents, at the potential expense of Snee Farm and Stoney Creek Plantation.

Ann McAdams

Published March 18, 2019 at 6:13 PM

Case involving inmate’s amputated penis among lawsuits filed against county

WECT has uncovered millions of dollars in additional payouts by New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington to settle lawsuits and claims, raising the grand total spent by local governments to at least $16.6 million.

Ann McAdams

Published March 14, 2019 at 4:28 PM

City, county, schools spent $9 million settling lawsuits over 5+ years

While some agencies went to great lengths to comply, an attorney for New Hanover County strategized with her colleagues about minimizing what they’d provide in response to our request. Some claimants were also ordered not to talk to the media about the terms of the settlement funded by taxpayers.

Ann McAdams

Published March 11, 2019 at 2:54 PM

New Hanover Co. school system one of few in the state to have attorney on staff

WECT has learned that most NC school districts, even some of the largest ones, opt to contract with outside attorneys on an as-needed basis rather than hire an attorney to serve on staff. While some feel the in-house attorney is an asset, others said they think it's an obstacle.

Ann McAdams

Published March 4, 2019 at 11:50 AM

State records contradict sheriff’s candidate’s address history

Documents unearthed through a subpoena appear to show contradictory information about when Columbus County Sheriff candidate Jody Greene lived in that county. Greene's residency is the subject of an ongoing challenge to his legal eligibility to serve as sheriff.

Ann McAdams

Published February 25, 2019 at 3:41 PM

State concerned over Columbus County board’s dismissal of election protest on technicality

Email from State Board of Elections attorney Joshua Lawson to Columbus County attorney Amanda Prince raises questions about the Columbus County Board of Elections' handling of a protest filed in the sheriff’s race.

Ann McAdams

Published February 11, 2019 at 2:24 PM

While working, claiming residence in Columbus County, acting sheriff routinely gassed patrol car in Lumberton

Jody Greene was stationed in Columbus County and claimed to live there on property in Cerro Gordo. Oddly, he routinely filled up in neighboring Robeson County, well across the county line and nearly 30 minutes from his alleged residence.

Ann McAdams

Published February 7, 2019 at 6:00 PM

NHCS board declines citizen request for investigation

The New Hanover County School Board has declined a request for an independent investigation into its handling of serious issues, including concerns their inaction helped sexual predators prey on students.

Ann McAdams

Published February 4, 2019 at 7:45 PM

Interim college president draws six-figure salary while his own search firm looks for successor

WECT has learned the interim president of the college also works for the firm hired to conduct the college’s presidential search, a fact that isn’t sitting well with some college employees.

Ann McAdams

Published February 4, 2019 at 2:45 PM

US Senators push to keep federal court in Wilmington open

North Carolina’s senators in Washington are pressing the government to secure temporary space for federal employees in Wilmington displaced by Hurricane Florence. The storm severely damaged the federal courthouse on Water Street, and officials estimate it may take more than a year to repair.

Ann McAdams

Published January 31, 2019 at 1:09 PM

Father, son plead guilty in repo man’s shooting death

William “Roy” Kohler Jr. was facing charges for first-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Jeff Lowe, but insisted in an exclusive interview with WECT last year that he did not kill him.

Ann McAdams

Published January 28, 2019 at 7:27 PM

Greene pays $25K bond to keep sheriff’s seat, for now

Acting Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene has posted a $25,000 bond to keep his seat as sheriff, for now. Wake County Superior Court Judge Graham Shirley ordered Greene to pay that bond as part of an ongoing legal dispute over who is the rightful sheriff of Columbus County.

Ann McAdams

Published January 28, 2019 at 2:43 PM

VA will work to recover improper payments if fraud confirmed

WECT first uncovered the unusually high rental rate during a series of investigative reports. The VA was paying nearly $300,000 a month to rent the clinic from a private landlord. Recently released correspondence indicates the VA will work to recover any improper payments if fraud is confirmed.

Ann McAdams

Published January 28, 2019 at 1:10 PM

Greene has yet to post required $25K bond in dispute over rightful sheriff

Attorneys for Lewis Hatcher have filed documents requesting detailed financial information, property records, and personnel records for Jody Greene in their attempt to prove Hatcher should still be serving as Columbus County sheriff.

Ann McAdams

Published January 24, 2019 at 3:39 PM

Trial date set in disputed Columbus Co. sheriff’s race

A Wake County judge has set a Feb. 11 trial date in former Columbus County Sheriff Lewis Hatcher’s case against the recently elected sheriff.

Ann McAdams

Published January 18, 2019 at 2:04 PM

Former high school teacher facing new charges for sex crimes

A former New Hanover County high school science teacher is facing new charges in an ongoing criminal investigation into inappropriate relationships he had with his students and other minors. Mike Kelly was recently charged for sex crimes that happened a decade ago against a newly discovered victim.

Ann McAdams

Published January 15, 2019 at 6:06 AM

Hearing scheduled in dispute over rightful sheriff of Columbus County

A judge from another jurisdiction is heading to Columbus County this week to hear arguments that Lewis Hatcher should be reinstated as Sheriff.

Ann McAdams

Published January 14, 2019 at 1:04 PM

Currently in
Wilmington, NC

Ann McAdams

Investigative Reporter

Wilmington, NC

Awards:

Education:

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