On this page:

• Thom Roddy: Founder and Director of Blackwater Reports
• Craig Jackson: Researcher and Wordsmith at Blackwater Reports
• BlackwaterReports Contributors: The Unsung Heroes of Investigative Reporting

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Thom Roddy: Founder and Director of Blackwater Reports

Thom Roddy is the visionary behind Blackwater Reports, serving as its founder and director since its establishment in 2023. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years as a retired Naval Officer, Roddy brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to service to his role at Blackwater Reports.

Before founding Blackwater Reports, Roddy spent several years publishing online under the Veritas Currituck banner, where he honed his skills in investigative research and reporting. While not professionally trained as a journalist, Roddy is dedicated to putting forth his best efforts in writing reports that identify issues, raise awareness, and make government more accessible to its citizens.

Despite his dedication to journalistic integrity and public service, Roddy has faced dismissal from county officials, including the board of commissioners chair, county manager, county attorney, and even a district judge, who have questioned his status as a journalist. In response to these criticisms, Roddy remains steadfast in his commitment to his mission and points to the state statute NCGS § 8‑53.11.(a)(1) that defines a journalist.

Roddy’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity exemplify his dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and informed citizenship through Blackwater Reports. As the founder and director, he continues to lead by example, advocating for the public’s right to access information and holding government officials accountable to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

Under Roddy’s leadership, Blackwater Reports remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions and fostering greater transparency and accessibility in government operations. Through his unwavering dedication and passion for public service, Roddy inspires others to join him in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

Thank you, Thom Roddy, for your service to our country and your tireless efforts to make a difference through Blackwater Reports.

Craig Jackson: Researcher and Wordsmith at Blackwater Reports

Meet Craig Jackson (pseudonym), a protected source and a seasoned researcher with decades of experience investigating issues and drawing on his extensive access to databases around the world. At Blackwater Reports, Craig is an experienced writer and is responsible for editing and “wordsmithing” our reports to ensure clarity, accuracy, and impact.

With a background rooted in research and a passion for uncovering the truth, Craig brings unparalleled experience, knowledge, and resourcefulness to our team. His expertise in delving into complex issues and distilling them into clear and compelling narratives is instrumental in our mission to provide independent news, information, and investigative research.

Despite not being a resident of Currituck, Craig’s dedication to his work knows no bounds. He may not live near Currituck, but his commitment to excellence and his passion for promoting transparency and accountability in government operations transcend geographic boundaries.

Craig’s contributions to Blackwater Reports are invaluable, and his meticulous attention to detail ensures that our reports are of the highest quality. Whether he’s poring over databases, conducting in-depth research, or fine-tuning the language of our articles, Craig’s dedication to excellence shines through in everything he does.

We are fortunate to have Craig as an integral part of our team at Blackwater Reports, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to our mission. His passion, expertise, and dedication inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our pursuit of truth and accountability.

Thank you, Craig Jackson, for your invaluable contributions to Blackwater Reports.

BlackwaterReports Contributors: The Unsung Heroes of Investigative Reporting

At Blackwater Reports, our contributors are the backbone of our investigative reporting. While some have chosen to be publicly identified, many prefer to remain anonymous, and we respect their wishes. Whether identified by name or simply referred to as a source, our contributors play a vital role in uncovering the truth and shedding light on issues that matter most to our communities.

The terms “contributor” and “source” are often intertwined in our reports, reflecting the collaborative nature of our work. Regardless of how they are identified, each contributor is essential to the integrity and depth of our reporting. Their insights, expertise, and willingness to speak out provide invaluable perspectives that help us uncover hidden truths and hold those in power accountable.

Many of our contributors work or are connected to county government in some way, and their fear of retaliation is understandable. Founder Thom Roddy has experienced retaliation from the county firsthand, making us acutely aware of the risks involved in speaking out against entrenched power structures.

Despite the challenges and risks they face, our contributors remain committed to the pursuit of truth and justice. Their courage in sharing their knowledge and experiences is a testament to their dedication to the principles of transparency and accountability.

As the scandals of 2024 have revealed, Currituck County has a long path forward should it decide to reform itself. It is our hope that by shining a light on these issues and amplifying the voices of those who dare to speak out, we can contribute to positive change and foster a culture of openness, fairness, and integrity in government.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our contributors for your bravery, dedication, and commitment to the public good. You are the unsung heroes of investigative reporting, and we are honored to work alongside you in our shared mission to make our communities better, fairer, and more accountable to all.

Thank you for your invaluable contributions to Blackwater Reports.