26FC:0227 Leslie Espinoza v. Hamilton County - Dismissal Order

The Iowa Public Information Board

 COMES NOW, Charlotte Miller, Executive Director for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), and enters this Dismissal Order: 

On August 18, 2026, Leslie Espinoza “Complainant” filed formal complaint 26FC:0227, alleging that Hamilton County (“Respondent”) violated Iowa Code chapters 21 and 22.

Facts

Complainant submitted a complaint alleging numerous bad acts against Respondent. Complainant alleged that her medical and pharmaceutical records had been altered and did not extend any information of a Chapter 21 or 22 violation.  Complainant’s submission did not include facts that could state a violation of chapter 21 or 22.

Applicable Law

“Upon receipt of a complaint alleging a violation of chapter 21 or 22, the [Iowa Public Information Board] shall do either of the following:

2. Determine that, on its face, the complaint is outside its jurisdiction, is legally insufficient, is frivolous, is without merit, involves harmless error, or relates to a specific incident that has previously been finally disposed of on its merits by the board or a court.” Iowa Code § 23.8(2).

Analysis

Complainant’s submission did not include facts to suggest that there was ever a public records request made nor that there was a public meeting involved in her facts. Therefore, the complaint did not state facts within IPIB jurisdiction.

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.

On facial review, Complainant does not state a violation.

IT IS SO ORDERED:  Formal complaint 26FC:0227 is dismissed as it is legally insufficient 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 September 17, 2026.  Pursuant to IPIB rule 497-2.1(4), the parties will be notified in writing of its decision.

By the IPIB Executive Director

_________________________

Charlotte J.M. Miller, J.D.

CERTIFICATE OF MAILING

This amended document was sent on September 14, 2026, to:

Leslie Espinoza, Complainant