U.S. Department of Justice

U.S. Department of Justice Office of Information Policy Telephone: (202) 514-3642 Martin G. Weinberg, Esq. Martin G. Weinberg, PC Suite 1000 20 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 Dear Mr. Weinberg: Washington, D.C. 20530 SEP 28 2011 Re: Appeal No. AP-2011-02961 Request No. 1142669-002 ADW:SKV You appealed on behalf of your client, Jeffrey Edward Epstein, from the action of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on his request for access to records pertaining to himself. The Freedom of Information Act provides for disclosure of many agency records. At the same time, Congress included in the FOR nine exemptions from disclosure that provide protection for important interests such as personal privacy, privileged communications, and certain law enforcement activities. After carefully considering your appeal, I am affirming the FBI's action on your client's request. The FBI properly withheld this information in its entirety because it is protected from disclosure under the FOIA pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(7)(A). This provision concerns records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes the release of which could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings. With regard to your client's request for a fee waiver, because the FBI did not assess any fees in this instance, there is no action for this Office to consider on appeal. Furthermore, I am denying your request that we itemize and justify each item of the information withheld. You are not entitled to such a listing at the administrative stage of processing FOR requests and appeals. eg Judicial Watch v. Clinton 880 F. Supp. 1, 11 (D.D.C. 1995). Please be advised that this Offices decision was taken only after a full review of this matter. Your appeal was assigned to an attorney with this Office who thoroughly reviewed and analyzed your appeal, your client's underlying request, and the actions of the FBI in response to his request. EFTA00621268 -2- If your client is dissatisfied with my action on your appeal, the FOIA permits him to file a lawsuit in federal district court in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(B). Sincere ssociate Director EFTA00621269