Staff – Published April 8, 2024

Today, Blackwater Reports requested records related to the law firms contracted by Currituck County to litigate the Judith M. Ayers v. Currituck County Department of Social Services case. These records may show the public exactly how much of their tax dollars the county is willing to spend on a case that allegedly is rooted in a workplace grudge.

I am writing to submit a formal public records request on behalf of Blackwater Reports Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit media organization engaged in the business of investigative journalism. I am requesting access to the following records related to contracts and financial matters concerning legal representation in the case of JUDITH M. AYERS, Petitioner, v. CURRITUCK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, Respondent:

1. All contracts and agreements between Currituck County and or the Department of Social Services and Teague, Campbell, Dennis & Gorham, L.L.P., signed by Luke A. West and Jennifer B. Milak.
2. All contracts and agreements between Currituck County and or the Department of Social Services and The Twiford Law Firm, P.C., signed by Courtney Hull.
3. Any amendments, modifications, or extensions to the aforementioned contracts.
4. Any correspondence, memoranda, or communications related to the selection, negotiation, or execution of the contracts mentioned above.
5. All financial records, invoices, billing statements, and payment records pertaining to legal services rendered by Teague, Campbell, Dennis & Gorham, L.L.P., and The Twiford Law Firm, P.C., in the case of JUDITH M. AYERS v. CURRITUCK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES.

Please provide copies of the requested records in electronic PDF format.

I understand that under North Carolina law, public agencies are required to provide access to public records within a reasonable time frame.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this request, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving the requested records soon.