No big surprise here, but I received a letter in the mail today from State’s Attorney Julia Rietz denying Smile Politely’s Freedom of Information Act request for the Illinois State Police report on the incident that led to the death of Kiwane Carrington. Here’s the text of the letter:
To Whom It May Concern:
You previously filed a Freedom of Information Act request for investigation records regarding the October 9, 2009, officer involved shooting in Champaign. At this time, your request is denied pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/7 as the information is exempt from disclosure because such disclosure would (c)(ii) interfere with pending administrative enforcement proceedings conducted by any public body; (iii) deprive a person of a fair trial or an impartial hearing; and (viii) obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation as this matter is an ongoing investigation. Resolution of the matter will be announced publicly, and you may resubmit your request at that time.
You have the right to judicial review of this denial, pursuant to Section 11 of the Act.
Sincerely,
Julia Rietz
State’s Attorney
Rietz received the report two weeks ago today, and has not indicated when the results will be released to the public.