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Case TitleThe Cincinnati Enquirer v. Department of Justice et al
DistrictSouthern District of Ohio
CityCincinnati
Case Number1:2020cv00758
Date Filed2020-09-22
Date Closed2021-09-20
JudgeJudge Susan J. Dlott
PlaintiffThe Cincinnati Enquirer A division of Gannett GP Media, Inc.
Case DescriptionJulia Fair, a reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer, submitted FOIA requests to the Department of Justice for records concerning the handling of allegations of drug use by Ryan Jacobs, a Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney, by the DEA and the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys. The agency acknowledged receipt of the request. The agency then issued a Glomar response neither confirming nor denying the existence of records, citing Exemption 7(C) (invasion of privacy concerning law enforcement records). The Cincinnati Enquirer filed an administrative appeal of the denial but after hearing anything further from the agency, the Cincinnati Enquirer filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Adequacy - Search, Litigation - Vaughn index, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantDepartment of Justice
DefendantDrug Enforcement Administration
AppealSixth Circuit 21-3966
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Complaint attachment 7
Opinion/Order [26]
Opinion/Order [28]
FOIA Project Annotation: A federal court in Ohio has ruled that the DEA has not justified a privacy exemption-based Glomar response for records concerning its investigation of Ryan Jacobs for selling drugs, including allegations from Jacobs that an assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Northern Kentucky was complicit in covering up his illegal drug use as well. Jacobs was investigated for selling drugs to an unidentified couple in Kentucky, who were friends with the assistant Commonwealth Attorney. The Cincinnati Enquirer sent a FOIA request to the DEA for records concerning its role in the Jacobs investigation cooperation with state and local enforcement officials. The agency issued a Glomar response neither confirming nor denying the existence of records, citing Exemption 7(C) (invasion of privacy concerning law enforcement purposes) as the basis of the Glomar response. The Enquirer appealed the denial, which was upheld by the agency. The Enquirer then filed suit, arguing that Jacobs had no privacy interest because he had been convicted, but acknowledging that identifying information about the assistant Commonwealth Attorney and the other individuals involved could be redacted. The Enquirer asked the court to require the agency to provide more detail through a Vaughn index. The court rejected the Enquirer's claim that Jacobs had no privacy because he had been convicted, noting instead that "convicted persons do maintain privacy interests. The Supreme Court held in Reporters Committee that individuals have privacy interests in their rap sheet information. Lower courts have recognized these privacy interests as well." The court explained that "the Enquirer is not arguing that there is a public interest related to the investigation or prosecution of Ryan Jacobs himself. The Enquirer, accordingly, appears to implicitly concede that there is no public interest in the Jacobs investigative records except to the extent that individual documents and files shed light on the United States Attorney's decision not to prosecute the Commonwealth Attorney for obstruction of justice." The court then pointed out that "it bears emphasizing that the alleged wrongdoing by the Commonwealth Attorney is not itself a significant public interest for FOIA purposes. Exposing possible criminal behavior by a public official such as the Commonwealth Attorney is not sufficient public interest unless it also reveals something about a federal agency's conduct, here the decision of the United States Attorney not to prosecute the Commonwealth Attorney." Finding the Enquirer had shown a potential public interest in disclosure, the court pointed out that "when the Supreme Court allowed the categorical denial of rap sheet information in Reporter's Committee, it was because the request did not seek 'official information' about a government agency. Conversely, the Enquirer here is seeking information about an investigation that may shed light on a specific United States Attorney's prosecutorial decision concerning a public figure and law enforcement official who allegedly obstructed justice. The Court concludes that the disclosure of a Vaughn index is appropriate here."
Issues: Exemption 7(C) - Invasion of privacy concerning law enforcement records
Opinion/Order [32]
FOIA Project Annotation: A federal court in Ohio has ruled that, based on records disclosed during FOIA litigation brought by the Cincinnati Enquirer based on two FOIA requests for records pertaining to preferential treatment allegedly accorded to a Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney who potentially obstructed justice during the investigation of Ryan Jacobs' drug-trafficking activities, the FBI failed to conduct an adequate search. The Enquirer requested records on the Jacobs investigation as well as on Operation Speakeasy. In response, the FBI told the Enquirer that a keyword search identified no records related to Operation Speakeasy. The agency issued a Glomar response neither confirming nor denying the existence of records in response to the Enquirer's request about the Jacobs investigation. The court rejected the Glomar defense and ordered the FBI to search for records for in camera review. As part of that process, the FBI located a 38-page PowerPoint presentation entitled Operation Speakeasy. Judge Susan Dlott apologized for previously upholding the agency's no records response to the Enquirer's request on Operation Speakeasy. She noted that "the Court now knows that the search was incomplete or inadequate because Defendants submitted to review as part of the Jacobs investigation documents a 38-page PowerPoint presentation entitled Operation Speakeasy. The Summary Judgment Order must be amended. Accordingly, summary judgment is denied to the Defendants on the Operation Speakeasy request. Defendants must immediately conduct a new search for [potentially responsive] documents." She added that "given that the Defendants use of the key search term 'Speakeasy' in the NADDIS data index did not find the responsive Operation Speakeasy document, Defendants must conduct a broader search for responsive documents."
Issues: Adequacy - Search
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2020-09-221COMPLAINT against United States Department of Justice, United States Drug Enforcement Administration ( Filing fee $ 400 paid - receipt number: 0648-7668070), filed by The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A Request, # 2 Exhibit B Denial, # 3 Exhibit C Appeal, # 4 Exhibit D DOJ Affirmation, # 5 Civil Cover Sheet, # 6 Summons Form to U.S. Dept of Justice, # 7 Summons Form to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration) (Greiner, John) (Entered: 09/22/2020)
2020-09-222Corporate Disclosure Statement by Plaintiffs The Cincinnati Enquirer, Gannett GP Media, Inc. identifying Corporate Parent Gannett GP Media, Inc. for The Cincinnati Enquirer.. (Greiner, John) (Entered: 09/22/2020)
2020-09-22If this case is referred, it will be to Magistrate Judge Karen L. Litkovitz. (bjc) (Entered: 09/22/2020)
2020-09-223NOTICE of Appearance by Frank Matthew Schultz for Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer (Schultz, Frank) (Entered: 09/22/2020)
2020-09-234NOTICE of Appearance by Darren William Ford for Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer (Ford, Darren) (Entered: 09/23/2020)
2020-09-235[FORMER DOC.5 - PLEASE DISREGARD. FILED IN ERROR.] Summons Issued as to Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (kl) Modified docket text and document security on 9/23/2020 (kl). (Entered: 09/23/2020)
2020-09-236Summons Issued as to Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (kl) (Entered: 09/23/2020)
2020-09-23Notice of Correction : Please disregard, [FORMER DOC.5] - Incomplete PDF attached. See Doc. 6 for correction. (kl) (Entered: 09/23/2020)
2020-09-247CERTIFICATE of Mailing: Certified mailing of Summons and Complaint through the Clerk's Office pursuant to Local Rule 4.2. (Attachments: # 1 Certified Mail Receipts) (kh) (Entered: 09/24/2020)
2020-09-298NOTICE of Appearance by William Bryan King, II for Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (King, William) (Entered: 09/29/2020)
2020-10-019SUMMONS Returned Executed (Not Effectuated related to COVID19) as to Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (Civil Process Clerk and U.S. Attorney's Office - Southern District of Ohio). (bjc) (Entered: 10/01/2020)
2020-10-0610SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Drug Enforcement Administration. (bjc) (Entered: 10/06/2020)
2020-10-0711NOTICE of Hearing: Pretrial Conference set for 11/18/2020 at 11:00 AM in Teleconference before Judge Susan J. Dlott. (vp) (Entered: 10/07/2020)
2020-10-1412SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Department of Justice served on 10/2/2020, answer due 12/1/2020; Drug Enforcement Administration c/o U. S. Attorney General served on 10/2/2020, answer due 12/1/2020 (bjc) Modified on 10/15/2020 (eh). (Entered: 10/14/2020)
2020-11-0213STIPULATION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO ANSWER, MOVE OR OTHERWISE PLEAD by Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (King, William) (Entered: 11/02/2020)
2020-11-1314Joint MOTION to Continue Preliminary Pretrial Conference by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Greiner, John) (Entered: 11/13/2020)
2020-11-1615ORDER granting 14 Joint Motion to Continue the PPTC from 11/18/2020 until 12/7/2020 at 11:00 a.m. by telephone. The parties are to use the same dial in information as previously provided. Signed by Judge Susan J. Dlott on 11/16/2020. (wam) (Entered: 11/16/2020)
2020-11-16Set/Reset Hearings: Preliminary Pretrial Conference reset for 12/7/2020 11:00 AM in Teleconference before Judge Susan J. Dlott. (wam) (Entered: 11/16/2020)
2020-11-2316ANSWER to 1 Complaint, filed by All Defendants. (King, William) (Entered: 11/23/2020)
2020-12-0417RULE 26(f) REPORT by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Greiner, John) (Entered: 12/04/2020)
2020-12-07Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Susan J. Dlott: Initial Pretrial Conference held on 12/7/2020. Discovery cutoff is 4/1/2021. Dispositive motion deadline is 5/31/2021. (Court Reporter: Lisa Conley-Yungblut) (wam) (Entered: 12/07/2020)
2021-01-0818STIPULATION AND JOINT AGREEMENT by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Greiner, John) (Entered: 01/08/2021)
2021-02-1219MOTION for Summary Judgment by Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (King, William) (Entered: 02/12/2021)
2021-03-0520NOTICE by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer of Proposed Undisputed Facts (Greiner, John) (Entered: 03/05/2021)
2021-03-0521RESPONSE in Opposition re 19 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Plaintiff's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment filed by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Greiner, John) (Entered: 03/05/2021)
2021-03-0922Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Greiner, John) (Entered: 03/09/2021)
2021-03-09Notice of Correction: Please note that Docs. 21 Response and 22 Cross MOTION are identical pleadings filed twice, at the request of the clerk, to capture both the Response and the Motion in ECF. (kl) (Entered: 03/09/2021)
2021-03-1823REPLY to Response to Motion re 19 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (King, William) (Entered: 03/18/2021)
2021-03-1824RESPONSE in Opposition re 22 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (King, William) (Entered: 03/18/2021)
2021-03-2925REPLY to Response to Motion re 22 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Greiner, John) (Entered: 03/29/2021)
2021-04-05NOTICE of Hearing on Motion 22 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment , 19 MOTION for Summary Judgment :Oral Argument set for 4/27/2021 11:00 AM in Chambers before Judge Susan J. Dlott. (wam) (Entered: 04/05/2021)
2021-04-05The oral argument scheduled for 4/27/2021 at 11:00 a.m. will be conducted in the Courtroom 7, room 117. (wam) (Entered: 04/05/2021)
2021-04-27Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Susan J. Dlott: Oral Argument held in the Courtroom on 4/27/2021 re 19 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice, and 22 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by The Cincinnati Enquirer. Jack Greiner and Frank Schultz counsel for the plaintiff present. Bill King AUSA present. Matter taken under submission. (Court Reporter: Lisa Conley-Yungblut) (wam) (Entered: 04/27/2021)
2021-05-0326ORDER that Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 19 ) is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiffs Cross-Motion for Summary18Judgment (Doc. 22 ) is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. Defendants are notrequired to respond further to the extent the Enquirer requested documents concerning OperationSpeakeasy. Insofar as the Enquirer requested documents concerning Ryan Jacobs, Defendantsare ordered to produce the responsive documents and a proposed Vaughn index to the Court foran in camera review within 60 days of the date of this Order.. Signed by Judge Susan J. Dlott on 5/3/2021. (wam) Modified to Add Document Links on 5/4/2021 (bjc). (Entered: 05/03/2021)
2021-07-02Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Susan J. Dlott: Telephonic Status Conference held on 7/2/2021. Darren Ford an Frank Schultz counsel for the pltf. Bill King AUSA and John Tracey from DOJ present. In camera documents to be submitted Friday 7/2/2021 (Court Reporter: Lisa Conley-Yungblut) (wam) (Entered: 07/02/2021)
2021-07-0627NOTICE by Defendant Drug Enforcement Administration re 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,,,, Notice of Compliance (King, William) (Entered: 07/06/2021)
2021-07-2828ORDER Amending 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment. Signed by Judge Susan J. Dlott on 7/28/2021. (wam) (Entered: 07/28/2021)
2021-08-2729Supplemental Memorandum Supporting re 22 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment Memorandum of Points and Authorities Setting Forth The Proper Legal Standard For Consideration of Additional FOIA Exemptions filed by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Fox, Brian) (Entered: 08/27/2021)
2021-08-27Notice of Correction. Former Doc. 29 has been deleted due to file error by counsel. Pleading is to be refiled. (wam) (Entered: 08/27/2021)
2021-08-2730Supplemental Memorandum Supporting re 22 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment Memorandum of Points and Authorities Setting Forth The Proper Legal Standard For Consideration of Additional FOIA Exemptions filed by Plaintiff The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Schultz, Frank) (Entered: 08/27/2021)
2021-08-3031Supplemental Memorandum Supporting re 19 MOTION for Summary Judgment , In-Camera Index, and Declaration of Jonathan Tracy filed by Defendants Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. (King, William) (Entered: 08/30/2021)
2021-09-2032Supplement to the Amended Summary Judgment Order. The Court holds that all of the responsive documents are exempt from disclosure under FOIA Exemption 7(C), 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7)(C). The case is dismissed with prejudice. Signed by Judge Susan J. Dlott on 9/20/2021. (wam) (Entered: 09/20/2021)
2021-09-2033CLERK'S JUDGMENT affirming doc. #32. (wam) (Entered: 09/20/2021)
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