{ "muckrock_id": "177401", "agency": "U.s. Department Of Justice", "title": "Comprehensive FOIA Request for Records Pertaining to Complaint #542283-VPS and Associated Actions", "first_date": "2024-12-10", "last_date": "2025-02-17", "sourceSearchUrl": "https://www.muckrock.com/foi/list/?q=177401", "route": "/foia/177401-u-s-department-of-justice/", "messages": [ { "when": "2024-12-10 14:57:17", "file": "2024-12-10T14_57_17.084792 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nPursuant to the Washington Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:\n\nFreedom of Information Act Request\nDate: December 10, 2024\nTo: FOIA/PA Mail Referral Unit\nU.S. Department of Justice\nRoom 115, LOC Building\nWashington, DC 20530-0001\nEmail: MRUFOIA.Requests@usdoj.gov\n\nSubject: Comprehensive FOIA Request for Records Pertaining to Complaint #542283-VPS and Associated Actions\n\nDear FOIA Officer,\n\nPursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), I hereby request access to all records, documentation, and communications related to the processing, review, decision-making, and actions taken in connection with complaint #542283-VPS, submitted on December 2, 2024. This request includes records addressing allegations of systemic constitutional violations, ADA non-compliance, whistleblower retaliation, and associated governance issues.\n\nScope of Request\nComplaint Review and Processing:\n\nAll internal records, including memos, emails, meeting notes, decision logs, and evaluations, documenting the review and disposition of complaint #542283-VPS.\nAny workflows or internal task assignments related to this complaint, including timelines and responsible personnel.\nExternal and Interagency Communications:\n\nCorrespondence between DOJ and external entities, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Connecticut Attorney Generals Office, and other federal or state agencies concerning the subject matter of the complaint.\nInteragency directives or advisories relating to oversight or collaboration on systemic issues identified in the complaint.\nPolicy, Procedure, and Action Records:\n\nDocumentation of DOJ protocols, policies, or operational guidelines used in assessing, addressing, or dismissing complaint #542283-VPS.\nRecords of enforcement actions, case follow-ups, or formal referrals stemming from the complaint.\nPersonnel Involvement:\n\nIdentification of all DOJ personnel involved in processing or overseeing this matter, including their roles, decision-making authority, and communication logs.\nLegal and Procedural Basis:\n\nAny legal analyses, internal opinions, or statutory references justifying the decision communicated to me in your letter dated December 2, 2024, indicating no further action would be taken.\nSupporting documentation outlining the DOJ's compliance with whistleblower protection standards, ADA obligations, and constitutional governance in this decision.\nADA and Whistleblower Protections:\n\nAll DOJ records, policies, and communications addressing ADA accommodations or whistleblower protections as applied in this case.\nDocumentation of any DOJ awareness, training, or application of ADA-compliant processes related to this complaint.\nAccommodations Previously Requested\nThe following accommodations, explicitly outlined in prior communications, remain unfulfilled:\n\nExclusive Use of MuckRock Platform\n\nRequested: All communications must be routed exclusively through the MuckRock platform. No external portals, password-protected links, or alternate communication methods are acceptable.\nNon-Compliance: Communications have directed me to use external portals and password-protected links, violating ADA guidelines and my explicit requests.\nAccessible Document Formatting\n\nRequested: All documents must be provided as screen-reader compatible PDFs, properly labeled and indexed for ease of navigation and accessibility.\nNon-Compliance: Provided documents have not adhered to accessibility standards, preventing effective access to critical information.\nSimplified Summaries for Complex Records\n\nRequested: Simplified summaries must accompany all complex or technical records to enhance comprehension and ensure equitable participation.\nNon-Compliance: No summaries have been provided, creating unnecessary barriers to understanding the records.\nIdentification of Responsible Personnel\n\nRequested: Each communication must include the name, title, and role of the individual responsible for processing or responding to my requests.\nNon-Compliance: Correspondence has consistently lacked this information, hindering accountability and effective follow-up.\n\nImmediate Action Required\n\nRequest for Expedited Processing\nGiven the significant public interest in transparency regarding whistleblower retaliation, ADA compliance, and constitutional violations, expedited processing is requested under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(E). Immediate access to these records is essential to addressing ongoing harm and systemic governance issues.\n\nRequest for Fee Waiver\nAs this request is made in the public interest and not for commercial purposes, I request a fee waiver under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)(iii). Disclosure of these records will contribute substantially to public understanding of government operations and decision-making.\n\nDeadline and Compliance Expectations\nI anticipate your acknowledgment of this request within the statutory 20 business days and fulfillment of the request without undue delay. Any refusal to provide responsive records must be accompanied by a detailed justification citing specific statutory exemptions.\n\nFailure to comply with FOIA obligations or provide the requested accommodations will necessitate escalation through administrative appeals, formal complaints to oversight bodies, and judicial remedies.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\nDavid Medeiros\nFounder, ABI Resources\nDB.42.131.Inf.\nABI Resources https://www.ctbraininjury.com/blog/tags/db-42-131-inf https://x.com/ABIresources/status/1866212331279339765 https://www.youtube.com/@ABI.RESOURCES-CT-ABI-MFP-CARE/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2\n\n\nCC:\n\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\nConnecticut Attorney Generals Office\nRelevant Congressional Oversight Committees\n\nThe requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.\n\nIn the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.\n\nThank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDAVID MEDEIROS" }, { "when": "2024-12-17 01:00:33", "file": "2024-12-17T01_00_33.968856 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nI wanted to follow up on the following Washington Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Dec. 13, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.\n\nThanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.\n\n\n" }, { "when": "2024-12-17 11:10:12", "file": "2024-12-17T11_10_12.161064 Communication.txt", "text": "Please see the attached response to your FOIA request. Please note, your request has been assigned tracking number EMRUFOIA121324.\n" }, { "when": "2024-12-17 12:15:32", "file": "2024-12-17T12_15_32.476529 Communication.txt", "text": "FOIA Appeal: Constitutional Violations, Whistleblower Protections, Taxpayer Accountability, and ADA Non-Compliance\nDate: December 17, 2024\n\nTo:\nFOIA/PA Mail Referral Unit\nU.S. Department of Justice\nRoom 115, LOC Building\nWashington, DC 20530-0001\nEmail: MRUFOIA.Requests@usdoj.gov\n\nFrom:\nDavid Medeiros\nFounder, ABI Resources\n\n\nFOIA Reference: Tracking Number EMRUFOIA121324\n\nIntroduction\nThis is a formal appeal under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) regarding your improper response dated December 17, 2024. My original FOIA request (submitted December 10, 2024) explicitly identified Complaint #542283-VPS and sought records addressing:\n\nConstitutional violations (First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments);\nWhistleblower retaliation and systemic oversight failures;\nMisuse of taxpayer funds under federal programs;\nADA and Section 504 non-compliance, obstructing disability accommodations.\nYour reliance on 28 CFR 16.3(b) to delay this request is legally improper. The records sought are sufficiently described, and your failure to act violates FOIA and related statutory obligations.\n\n1. Constitutional Violations\nYour response obstructs access to records and denies procedural fairness, violating fundamental constitutional rights:\n\nFirst Amendment: My right to petition the government for transparency and oversight.\nFifth Amendment: Denial of procedural due process through unjustified delays.\nFourteenth Amendment: Equal protection under the law, specifically for disability-based accommodations.\nLegal Precedents:\n\nRichmond Newspapers v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555 (1980): Transparency is essential for public trust.\nLane v. Brown, 841 F.3d 1098 (2016): Failure to honor ADA accommodations is discriminatory.\nRemedy Sought:\n\nImmediate production of all responsive records pertaining to Complaint #542283-VPS.\nWritten acknowledgment of my constitutional rights and corrective measures to uphold these rights.\n2. Whistleblower Protections Violations\nThe requested records relate to systemic misconduct and oversight failures. Your refusal to disclose these records obstructs transparency and undermines whistleblower protections.\n\nLegal Authority:\n\n5 U.S.C. 2302 (Whistleblower Protection Act): Protects disclosures exposing misconduct and retaliation.\n31 U.S.C. 3729 (False Claims Act): Ensures exposure of fraud, waste, and abuse of public resources.\nRemedy Sought:\n\nFull disclosure of internal communications, investigations, task logs, and policies regarding Complaint #542283-VPS.\nConfirmation that no whistleblower-related documents are being improperly withheld.\n3. Taxpayer Accountability Violations\nMy FOIA request addresses the use and oversight of taxpayer funds under federally funded programs. Denying access to these records obstructs public accountability.\n\nLegal Authority:\n\n5 U.S.C. 552: Mandates disclosure of government records unless a clear statutory exemption applies.\nNARA v. Favish, 541 U.S. 157 (2004): Public interest in government accountability outweighs secrecy.\nRemedy Sought:\n\nRelease all audits, funding records, decision logs, and communications tied to Complaint #542283-VPS.\nProvide a Vaughn Index citing precise statutory exemptions for any withheld records.\n4. ADA and Section 504 Non-Compliance\nI explicitly requested reasonable ADA accommodations to ensure equitable access to FOIA processes, including:\n\nExclusive Muckrock platform communications only. (no portals, password links, or physical mail).\nScreen-Reader Compatible PDFs, properly labeled and indexed.\nSimplified Summaries for complex records.\nIdentification of FOIA personnel handling this request (names, titles, and roles).\nYour failure to fulfill these accommodations violates:\n\n42 U.S.C. 12132 (ADA Title II): Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.\n29 U.S.C. 794 (Section 504): Requires equitable access to federally funded services.\nLegal Precedents:\n\nAlexander v. Choate, 469 U.S. 287 (1985): Agencies must ensure meaningful access to public programs.\nLane v. Brown, 841 F.3d 1098 (2016): Denial of accommodations is unlawful discrimination.\nRemedy Sought:\n\nReissue all correspondence and records in ADA-compliant formats immediately.\nConfirm that all requested ADA accommodations will be honored for this and future FOIA communications.\nCompliance Timeline and Escalation\nCompliance Deadlines:\n\n5 Business Days: Acknowledge receipt of this appeal and confirm compliance with ADA accommodations.\n10 Business Days: Fulfill my FOIA request by releasing all responsive records or providing a Vaughn Index.\nEscalation for Non-Compliance:\nFailure to comply will result in immediate escalation to:\n\nDOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) for procedural failures and misconduct.\nDOJ Civil Rights Division ADA Enforcement Unit for disability rights violations.\nOffice of Government Information Services (OGIS) for FOIA mediation and oversight.\nFederal Courts for injunctive relief, enforcement of statutory obligations, and recovery of costs.\nCongressional Oversight Committees for systemic violations impeding public accountability.\nConclusion\nYour failure to adhere to FOIA, constitutional mandates, whistleblower protections, and ADA compliance constitutes a serious legal violation. I demand:\n\nImmediate release of all responsive records tied to Complaint #542283-VPS.\nFull implementation of all requested ADA accommodations.\nWritten acknowledgment of violations and a corrective plan to ensure future compliance.\nFailure to meet these obligations will trigger immediate escalation to enforcement authorities.\n\n\n\n\nCC:\nCC:\nU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)\n\n1. Merrick B. Garland\nTitle: Attorney General\nPhone: (202) 514-2000\nEmail: doj.oag@usdoj.gov\n\n2. Kristen Clarke\nTitle: Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division\nPhone: (202) 514-4609\nEmail: civilrights.justice@usdoj.gov\n\n3. Michael E. Horowitz\nTitle: Inspector General, DOJ Office of Inspector General\nPhone: (202) 514-3435\nEmail: oig.hotline@usdoj.gov\n\n4. Alina M. Semo\nTitle: Director, Office of Government Information Services (OGIS)\nPhone: (202) 741-5770 | Toll-Free: 1-877-684-6448\nEmail: ogis@nara.gov\n\n5. Michael G. Seidel\nTitle: Section Chief, Record/Information Dissemination Section, Information Management Division\nPhone: (202) 324-3000\nEmail: foipaquestions@fbi.gov\n\n6. Priscilla Jones\nTitle: Supervisory Administrative Specialist, Office of Information Policy\nPhone: (202) 514-3642\nEmail: oip.foia@usdoj.gov\n\n7. Rianna Barrett\nTitle: Associate Chief, Administrative Appeals Staff\nPhone: (202) 514-3642\nEmail: oip.foia@usdoj.gov\n\n8. Christina Trojan\nTitle: Chief, Administrative Appeals Staff\nPhone: (202) 514-3642\nEmail: oip.foia@usdoj.gov\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\n\n9. Xavier Becerra\nTitle: Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\nPhone: (202) 690-7000\nEmail: secretary@hhs.gov\n\n10. Chiquita Brooks-LaSure\nTitle: Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)\nPhone: (410) 786-3000\nEmail: FOIA_Request@cms.hhs.gov\n\n11. Lisa Pino\nTitle: Director, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), HHS\nPhone: (800) 368-1019\nEmail: ocrmail@hhs.gov\n\nConnecticut State Officials\n\n12. Ned Lamont\nTitle: Governor, State of Connecticut\nPhone: (860) 566-4840\nEmail: governor.lamont@ct.gov\n\n13. William Tong\nTitle: Attorney General, State of Connecticut\nPhone: (860) 808-5318\nEmail: attorney.general@ct.gov\n\n14. Andrea Barton Reeves\nTitle: Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)\nPhone: (860) 424-5053\nEmail: andrea.bartonreeves@ct.gov\nCongressional Oversight Committees\n\n15. James Comer\nTitle: Chair, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability\nPhone: (202) 225-5074\nEmail: oversightpress@mail.house.gov\n\n16. Gary Peters\nTitle: Chair, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs\nPhone: (202) 224-2627\nEmail: committee@hsgac.senate.gov\n\n17. Jamie Raskin\nTitle: Chair, House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties\nPhone: (202) 225-5341\nEmail: civilrights@mail.house.gov\n\n18. Dick Durbin\nTitle: Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee\nPhone: (202) 224-2152\nEmail: judiciary@senate.gov\n\nKristen Clarke Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division\nMichael E. Horowitz Inspector General, DOJ\nAlina M. Semo Director, OGIS\nMerrick B. Garland Attorney General\nXavier Becerra Secretary, HHS\nChiquita Brooks-LaSure Administrator, CMS\nLisa Pino Director, OCR HHS\nNed Lamont Governor of Connecticut\nWilliam Tong Connecticut Attorney General\nAndrea Barton Reeves Commissioner, DSS\nJames Comer Chair, House Committee on Oversight\nGary Peters Chair, Senate Committee on Homeland Security\nJamie Raskin Chair, House Subcommittee on Civil Rights\nDick Durbin Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee\nMerrick B. Garland Attorney General, DOJ\nKristen Clarke Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division\nMichael E. Horowitz Inspector General, DOJ\nAlina M. Semo Director, Office of Government Information Services (OGIS)\nRelevant Congressional Oversight Committees\nDOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) FOIA.oig@usdoj.gov\nDOJ Civil Rights Division ADA Enforcement Unit\nMerrick Garland, U.S. Attorney General AG@usdoj.gov\nOffice of Government Information Services (OGIS) ogis@nara.gov\nHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra HHS_FOIA@hhs.gov\nCMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure FOIA_Request@cms.hhs.gov\nSenator Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut)\nSenator Chris Murphy (Connecticut)\nCongressional Oversight Committees\n\nSincerely,\nDavid Medeiros\nFounder, ABI Resources\nDB.42.131.Inf. https://www.ctbraininjury.com/blog/tags/db-42-131-inf\nhttps://x.com/ABIresources/status/1866212331279339765 https://www.youtube.com/@ABI.RESOURCES-CT-ABI-MFP-CARE/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2" }, { "when": "2025-01-01 01:01:18", "file": "2025-01-01T01_01_18.827274 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nI wanted to follow up on the following Washington Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Dec. 13, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #EMRUFOIA121324.\n\nThanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.\n\n\n" }, { "when": "2025-01-16 01:01:21", "file": "2025-01-16T01_01_21.315134 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nI wanted to follow up on the following Washington Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Dec. 13, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #EMRUFOIA121324.\n\nThanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.\n\n\n" }, { "when": "2025-01-31 01:01:18", "file": "2025-01-31T01_01_18.791018 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nI wanted to follow up on the following Washington Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Dec. 13, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #EMRUFOIA121324.\n\nThanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.\n\n\n" }, { "when": "2025-02-17 01:01:23", "file": "2025-02-17T01_01_23.903376 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nI wanted to follow up on the following Washington Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Dec. 13, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #EMRUFOIA121324.\n\nThanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.\n\n\n" } ], "attachments": [ { "when": "2024-12-17 11:10:12", "file": "2024-12-17T111012.161064 Medeiros_David__I1_EMRUFOIA121324_MRU_Response.pdf", "bytes": 116415, "sha256_16": "633D5FAB6D9AD1D2", "hashScope": "Saved SHA-256 prefix (16 hex characters)", "requestId": "177401", "exportIndex": 1, "originalSha256": "633d5fab6d9ad1d243c80bc508313292c96dcaf66e79fa10d6167ba34b116a11", "originalBytes": 116415, "downloadSha256": "633d5fab6d9ad1d243c80bc508313292c96dcaf66e79fa10d6167ba34b116a11", "downloadBytes": 116415, "downloadUrl": "/foia-files/633d5fab6d9ad1d243c80bc508313292c96dcaf66e79fa10d6167ba34b116a11/attachment.pdf", "delivery": "original file", "classification": "attachment", "originalBasename": "2024-12-17T111012.161064 Medeiros_David__I1_EMRUFOIA121324_MRU_Response.pdf", "sourceFileRelativePath": "2024-12-17T111012.161064 Medeiros_David__I1_EMRUFOIA121324_MRU_Response.pdf" }, { "when": "2024-12-17 11:10:12", "file": "2024-12-17T111012.161064 WRD0000_y3IEmxd.jpg", "bytes": 823, "sha256_16": "CB0628092DDEA96B", "hashScope": "Saved SHA-256 prefix (16 hex characters)", "requestId": "177401", "exportIndex": 2, "originalSha256": "cb0628092ddea96bb040221b5c793dbbb792a67d0621bdfba170c07374d85801", "originalBytes": 823, "downloadSha256": "cb0628092ddea96bb040221b5c793dbbb792a67d0621bdfba170c07374d85801", "downloadBytes": 823, "downloadUrl": "/foia-files/cb0628092ddea96bb040221b5c793dbbb792a67d0621bdfba170c07374d85801/attachment.jpg", "delivery": "original file", "classification": "attachment", "originalBasename": "2024-12-17T111012.161064 WRD0000_y3IEmxd.jpg", "sourceFileRelativePath": "2024-12-17T111012.161064 WRD0000_y3IEmxd.jpg" }, { "when": "", "file": "agency.txt", "bytes": 68, "sha256_16": "7A32B6DC74712882", "hashScope": "Saved SHA-256 prefix (16 hex characters)", "requestId": "177401", "exportIndex": 3, "originalSha256": "7a32b6dc7471288243117cffaea21a649cc684a85f6d31cb8a70834f2773bc65", "originalBytes": 68, "downloadSha256": "7a32b6dc7471288243117cffaea21a649cc684a85f6d31cb8a70834f2773bc65", "downloadBytes": 68, "downloadUrl": "/foia-files/7a32b6dc7471288243117cffaea21a649cc684a85f6d31cb8a70834f2773bc65/attachment.txt", "delivery": "original file", "classification": "export-metadata", "originalBasename": "agency.txt", "sourceFileRelativePath": "agency.txt" } ] }