Breaking Down the Threat Against Thom Roddy by Captain Kevin McCord

By Blackwater Reports Staff – December 8, 2024

On December 4, 2024, during a phone interview conducted by Blackwater Reports, Captain Kevin McCord of the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, who also serves as a county commissioner, issued statements that can only be interpreted as a direct threat against investigative journalist Thom Roddy. The call was recorded, and the transcription of McCord’s comments is as follows:

“I’m telling you right now, I’ve never done anything to your family but help, I’m just telling you if you try to affect my livelihood and whatever, I’m just, this is not a threat, your recording me I don’t care, you know, do what you gotta do, I’m just telling you, it’s gonna come back, and not you know what I’m saying, you’ll be sorry if you try to do anything to me.”

McCord further stated:
“I don’t mess with anybody unless they mess with me.”

The entire phone interview was approximately 38 minutes; it has been transcribed and will be published later.

Context of the Threat

During the November 4, 2024, Currituck County Board of Commissioners meeting, McCord, acting in his capacity as commissioner, repeatedly referenced his role as a Captain with the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office. He also noted that he had served as a magistrate in 2013. During the meeting, McCord implied that he could take legal action, both civil and criminal, against individuals who spoke out or took actions that he perceived as damaging to him or his wife.

When asked by Roddy whether his comments amounted to a threat of legal action against him personally, McCord replied, “No.” This raises significant concerns: If the comments were not indicative of a lawsuit, what were they implying?

Analyzing the Elements of the Threat

McCord’s statement contains several key elements that suggest intimidation:

1. “If you try to affect my livelihood…”
   This phrase implies that McCord perceives Roddy’s journalistic inquiries and reporting as a personal attack on his professional career. By framing it in terms of livelihood, McCord suggests serious personal stakes, which can escalate the gravity of his response.
2. “It’s gonna come back…you’ll be sorry if you try to do anything to me.”
   The use of the phrase “you’ll be sorry” is unequivocally ominous. Though McCord insists this is “not a threat,” such language is suggestive of retribution and leaves significant ambiguity as to what “it’s gonna come back” entails.
3. “I don’t mess with anybody, unless they mess with me.”
   This comment frames McCord’s behavior as reactionary and carries an implicit warning that retaliation is on the table for perceived transgressions.

Sheriff’s Office Investigation

On the morning of December 5, 2024, Roddy contacted Currituck County Sheriff Matt Beickert to report the incident. Sheriff Beickert confirmed that the matter would be investigated and assigned Chief Deputy Jeff Walker to the case. Chief Walker followed up with Roddy on December 6, affirming that an official investigation into McCord’s comments was underway.

Legal Implications

The threat, made during a recorded interview conducted as part of Roddy’s work for Blackwater Reports Inc., may constitute intimidation of a journalist, which is a violation of press freedom protections under state and federal law. Specifically:

• North Carolina General Statutes § 14-277.1 (Communicating Threats): This statute prohibits the communication of threats that instill fear of harm or retribution.
• Federal Protections for Journalists: Any attempt to threaten or intimidate a journalist engaged in lawful investigative work may also violate federal laws protecting the free press under the First Amendment.

The involvement of external law enforcement agencies may be warranted given the implications of McCord’s dual role as a county commissioner and a law enforcement officer.

A Lingering Concern

Roddy remains troubled by the implications of McCord’s comments. If the threat was not intended to signal a lawsuit, as McCord stated, what was the intended message? The ambiguity and veiled language amplify the chilling effect on investigative journalism and raise questions about misuse of public office and authority.

Developing Story

Blackwater Reports will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as the investigation unfolds. Any verified corrections to this article will be made promptly upon receipt of factual records.

Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts respectfully and adhere to our guidelines by refraining from speculation or unsubstantiated claims. Concerns or corrections can be directed to staff@blackwaterreports.org.

This story highlights the critical importance of press freedom and transparency in public office. Stay tuned for further developments. The full transcript and audio will be released when all investigations are complete.

AT BLACKWATER REPORTS, WE VALUE THE INPUT AND PERSPECTIVES OF OUR READERS. YOUR COMMENTS AND CONCERNS HELP US ENSURE THAT WE SERVE OUR COMMUNITY WITH INTEGRITY AND ACCURACY. WE ALSO WELCOME FEEDBACK FROM CURRITUCK COUNTY OR ANY INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN OUR REPORTS—IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS AN ERROR IN OUR REPORTING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PROVIDE FACTUAL RECORDS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING PROMPT CORRECTIONS WHEN NECESSARY BECAUSE DELIVERING THE TRUTH MATTERS MOST TO US. YOU CAN REACH US ANYTIME AT STAFF@BLACKWATERREPORTS.ORG. THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING WITH US AND HELPING US MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF JOURNALISM.