Thompson v. Pretzello, No. 15-1302, 2016 WL 2610112 (D. Md. May 5, 2016) (Bennett, J.)

Thompson v. Pretzello, No. 15-1302, 2016 WL 2610112 (D. Md. May 5, 2016) (Bennett, J.)

Re: Request for records concerning OIG report regarding plaintiffs' coworker

Disposition: Granting defendant's motion to dismiss

• Exemption 7(C):  The court finds that because "[plaintiffs] show no public interest in disclosing the redacted individuals' names, their request for disclosure of the unredacted report is denied."  The court explains that "[the] individuals . . . have a substantial interest in the nondisclosure of their identifying information, as such information could conceivably affect their professional and personal reputations."  Also, the court finds that plaintiffs do not explain how disclosure would "promote[] the 'public understanding of the operations or activities of the government.'"  "Rather, it appears that Plaintiffs' sole interest in the disclosure of the redacted individuals' identifying information is to further their claims in [their] present suit."  The court finds that, "[g]iven the sensitivity of the privacy interests, the redacted . . . OIG Report is sufficient to inform the public of the allegations of misconduct and subsequent investigation."