The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Jeremy Newsom, Complainant And Concerning: Department of Public Safety, Respondent |
Case Number: 26FC:0061 Dismissal Order
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COMES NOW, Charlotte Miller, Executive Director for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), and enters this Dismissal Order:
On March 2, 2026, Jeremy Newsom (Complainant) filed formal complaint 26FC:0061, alleging that the Department of Public Safety (Respondent) violated Iowa Code Chapter 22.
Facts
On March 2, 2026, Complainant submitted a six-word formal complaint against Respondent, which read as follows: “Withholding of records and other violations.”
IPIB staff attempted to follow-up with Complainant about the details of the alleged violation on March 5, March 11, and March 20, but Complainant has not had any contact with IPIB since the submission of 26FC:0061.
Analysis
While improper withholding of non-confidential public records and “other violations” could fall within IPIB’s jurisdiction over Chapter 22, Complainant has not provided any further information to describe what was requested or allegedly withheld. By failing to respond despite multiple attempts at contact, Complainant has constructively abandoned his complaint, and further review is impossible.
Conclusion
Iowa Code § 23.8 requires that a complaint be within the IPIB’s jurisdiction, appear legally sufficient, and have merit before the IPIB accepts a complaint. Following a review of the allegations on their face, it is found that this complaint does not meet those requirements.
Complainant has constructively abandoned the case, and IPIB has been unable to seek clarification on the allegations to determine whether they could have merit as a result.
IT IS SO ORDERED: Formal complaint 26FC:0061 is dismissed as it is without merit and has been constructively abandoned pursuant to Iowa Code § 23.8(2) and Iowa Administrative Rule 497-2.1(2)(b).
Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Rule 497-2.1(3), the IPIB may “delegate acceptance or dismissal of a complaint to the executive director, subject to review by the board.” The IPIB will review this Order on April 16, 2026. Pursuant to IPIB rule 497-2.1(4), the parties will be notified in writing of its decision.
By the IPIB Executive Director,
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Charlotte J.M. Miller, J.D.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on April 8, 2026, to:
Jeremy Newsom, Complainant