UNCOVERING THE
TRUTH. DELIVERING
FULL JUSTICE.
Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist with 40+ years exposing fraud, corruption, and injustice across America.
THE JOURNALIST
WHO NEVER
BACKS DOWN
John Mattes is an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist with more than four decades of experience exposing fraud, corruption, and government cover-ups. His fearless reporting has changed laws, freed innocent people, and given a voice to those the powerful wish to silence.
From uncovering POW/MIA cover-ups to exposing corporate fraud, John's work has appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune, NBC News, and major media outlets worldwide. He is a tireless advocate for truth and justice.
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism
- 40+ years breaking major investigative stories
- POW/MIA advocate & veterans rights champion
- Featured in 50+ national & international media outlets
210K+
Monthly Readers
Across digital and print platforms nationwide
350+
POW/MIA Cases
Investigated and brought to public attention
BOOK JOHN FOR YOUR STORY
Need an experienced investigative journalist? John is available for speaking, consulting, and major investigations.
Book a ConsultationJohn Mattes stars in an explosive
new podcast on the Iran-Contra scandal.
AREAS OF
EXPERTISE
- 01 Government & Political Corruption
- 02 Corporate Fraud & White Collar Crime
- 03 POW/MIA & Veterans Issues
- 04 Criminal Justice & Wrongful Convictions
- 05 National Security & Intelligence
- 06 Consumer Protection & Public Interest
Don’t miss this captivating series. “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” is now streaming on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. Tune in and join John Mattes on a journey through the shadows of history and power, where each episode unveils a piece of the intricate puzzle. Listen today and become part of an audience that values the relentless pursuit of truth and the stories that shape our world.
Featured Posts
Lawyers, Money, Guns Podcast Trailer
Don’t miss this captivating series. “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” is now streaming on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. Tune in and join John Mattes on a journey through the shadows of history and power, where each episode unveils a piece of the intricate puzzle. Listen today and become part of an audience that values the relentless pursuit of truth and the stories that shape our world.
The Invisible Pilot
Mattes was one of the first to uncover the illegal Contra war and ties to the NSC in 1985. His investigation exposed the illegal weapons trafficking from South Florida to the Contras.
The investigation revealed how Contra leaders were involved in ongoing massive cocaine shipments, all of which were protected by the CIA. Over a 5 year period, Mattes defended Contra whistleblowers who provided critical evidence of the trafficking of multi-ton shipments of Cocaine.
CIA Contra Connections
Mattes was one of the first to uncover the illegal Contra war and ties to the NSC in 1985. His investigation exposed the illegal weapons trafficking from South Florida to the Contras.
The investigation revealed how Contra leaders were involved in ongoing massive cocaine shipments, all of which were protected by the CIA. Over a 5 year period, Mattes defended Contra whistleblowers who provided critical evidence of the trafficking of multi-ton shipments of Cocaine.
Lost Army Commandos
Mattes uncovered one of the darkest secrets of the Vietnam War by exposing how the CIA and Department of Defense abandoned hundreds of commandos in Communist POW camps for 25 years.
The government covered up the scandal by declaring all of the men dead. Mattes sued the CIA and the Pentagon on behalf of the commandos.
2016 Russian Election Interference
In 2016, during the contested Democratic primary, John Mattes began to notice something fishy on the San Diego Bernie Sanders Facebook group he managed. His instincts proved correct, and led him down a long rabbit hole that proved there was Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Long Distance Overcharges
In 2011, John Mattes uncovered a worldwide pay phone scam, where travelers in airports were overcharged on pay phone calls placed within the airport. The targeted victims were frequently United States soldiers trying to call home. Tens of thousands of innocent travelers were victimized.
Featured Articles
Madison has made a career out of uncovering secrets.
His suits of revealed among other things secret funding for the Nicaragua contras and drug cartel links government officials
As Featured In 50+ Major Media Outlets
Investigate
How We WorkOur Team
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+
DECADES OF
VERIFIED RESULTS
John Mattes doesn't just report stories — he changes them. His investigations have led to congressional hearings, criminal convictions, and changes in federal law. When others look away, John digs deeper.
- Emmy Award — Outstanding Investigative Journalism
- Exposed government cover-ups affecting thousands
- Helped free wrongfully convicted individuals
- Led investigations into national security failures
- 40+ year track record of accountability reporting
WHAT OTHERS
ARE SAYING
John Mattes is one of the most tenacious and ethical investigative journalists I've ever worked with. His commitment to truth is unmatched, and his work on POW/MIA issues changed lives.
I've known John for years and his dedication to accountability journalism is extraordinary. He's fearless when it comes to exposing those in power who abuse their positions.
Colonel Mitchell's case would never have been resolved without John Mattes. He fought for years to get the truth out and never gave up. That's what real journalism looks like.
LET'S WORK
TOGETHER
Have a story tip, need an investigation, or want to book John for speaking or consulting? Reach out — John personally reviews every inquiry.
john@johnmattes.com
San Diego, California