The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Ronald May, Complainant And Concerning: Iowa Board of Parole, Respondent | Case Number: 25FC:0139 Investigative Report
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COMES NOW, Alexander Lee, Agency Counsel for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), and enters this Investigative Report:
On September 22, 2025, Ronald May filed formal complaint 25FC:0139, alleging that the Iowa Board of Parole (Board of Parole) violated Iowa Code Chapter 22.
The IPIB accepted this Complaint on October 16, 2025.
Facts
On August 13, 2025, the complainant, Ronald May, submitted a Chapter 22 request to the Iowa Board of Parole, seeking records of “any statements made to the Board of Parole by the sentencing judge and/or prosecutor in [May’s] case pursuant to Iowa Code § 901.9, regarding their recommendations for release or parole.”
On September 22, May filed formal complaint 25FC:0139, alleging unreasonable delay on the basis that the Board of Parole had failed to provide any response to his request.[1]
After accepting the complaint for further investigation, IPIB notified the Board of Parole of the complaint on October 10. On October 13, the following business day, the Board of Parole notified IPIB that it had already responded to the request with relevant records from May’s file, though it asserted that there were no recommendations received from the sentencing judge or prosecutor.
On October 15, IPIB mailed a follow-up letter to May, informing him of the Board of Parole’s response and asking if there were other matters in dispute which needed to be addressed before the case could be closed as resolved. IPIB’s letter invited May not to respond if there were no further issues. As of November 10, 2025, IPIB has not received a response from May.
Analysis
After IPIB accepted complaint 25FC:0139 on facial review, the respondent Board of Parole indicated that the underlying dispute had already been resolved, as all existing records responsive to the request were released. IPIB then sent a status update to the complainant, with notice that IPIB would keep the complaint open for any additional concerns. No response was received. Because it appears the matter was settled without IPIB’s involvement, the complaint should now be closed as resolved.
In resolving this case, IPIB does not make any findings on the possible confidentiality of records provided to the Board of Parole pursuant to Iowa Code § 901.9.
IPIB Action
The Board may take the following actions upon receipt of a probable cause report:
a. Redirect the matter for further investigation;
b. Dismiss the matter for lack of probable cause to believe a violation has occurred;
c. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, but, as an exercise of administrative discretion, dismiss the matter; or
d. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, designate a prosecutor and direct the issuance of a statement of charges to initiate a contested case proceeding.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 497-2.2(4).
Recommendation
Available evidence indicates this matter was resolved between the parties before IPIB accepted the complaint, and the requested records did not exist, though other related records have been released. Because the complainant has not raised any further concerns, it is recommended that the Board dismiss for lack of probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred.
By the IPIB Agency Counsel,
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Alexander Lee, J.D.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on November 13, 2025, to:
Ronald May, Complainant
Iowa Board of Parole, Respondent
The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Ronald May, Complainant And Concerning: Iowa Board of Parole, Respondent |
Case Number: 25FC:0139 Probable Cause Order
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Under Iowa Admin. Code r. 497-2.2(4) the Board takes the following action:
☐a. Redirect the matter for further investigation;
☒b. Dismiss the matter for lack of probable cause to believe a violation has occurred;
☐c. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, but, as an exercise of administrative discretion, dismiss the matter; or
☐d. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, designate a prosecutor and direct the issuance of a statement of charges to initiate a contested case proceeding.
By the Board Chair
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Catherine Lucas
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on November 13, 2025, to:
Ronald May, Complainant
Iowa Board of Parole, Respondent
[1] May, who was incarcerated at the time of the complaint, communicated with IPIB solely through physical mail.