ROYCE C. LAMBERTH, Chief Judge.
Pending before the Court is plaintiff George Lardner's ("Lardner") Motion For Partial Reconsideration of this Court's April 4, 2012, Judgment and Memorandum Opinion [99]. Lardner's quest for responsive documents began in 1993, when he filed his first Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"), 5 U.S.C. §§ 552 et seq., request. Notwithstanding the fact that many years passed before Lardner received a response from the government, Lardner persevered in his battle for responsive records. The Court granted in part and denied in part the defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment on April 4, 2012, determining that the defendants adequately searched for responsive records. After receiving notice of the Court's decision, plaintiff now requests that the Court partially reconsider its judgment. Specifically, plaintiff asks this Court to re-evaluate its decision because he believes that the Court committed a "clear error" in its Memorandum Opinion. Upon consideration of the Motion, the Opposition, the Reply thereto, the applicable law, and the entire record herein, the Court denies the plaintiff's Motion for the reasons set forth below.
Lardner is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who filed FOIA requests on September 14, 1993 and January 21, 2003. Supp. Hardy Decl. [50-2] ¶ 24. Lardner
After a thorough review of the motions before the Court and the plethora of evidence that both parties submitted in support of their respective positions, this Court granted in part the defendants' motion for summary judgment. Mem. Op. at 1. The Court ruled in favor of the defendants with respect to the reasonableness of the FBI's search for responsive records. Id. This Court, however, ruled in favor of the plaintiff with regard to this request ordering the defendants to reprocess all responsive records. Id. Within twenty-eight days of the Court's ruling, plaintiff presented the Court with this Motion for Partial Reconsideration, asking the Court to reconsider its opinion regarding the adequacy of the defendants' search. Pl.'s Mot. [102] Partial Recons. at 2. Plaintiff argues that the Court committed a "clear error" when it determined that the FBI's search was adequate, particularly with regard to Giancana and Dellacroce. Id. Plaintiff makes the following arguments in support of his motion for reconsideration with regard to Giancana: that (1) the FBI failed to search for or locate additional responsive records and that (2) the FBI conducted inadequate searches of the Automated Databases ("ADB") and the Inactive Indices. Pl.'s Mot. at 1-9. With regard to Dellacroce, plaintiff makes the following arguments in support of his motion for reconsideration: that (1) the FBI failed to search the Confidential Source Indices for documents; (2) the FBI is invoking the "Glomar defense"
Plaintiff seeks reconsideration of the Court's Memorandum Opinion and Order pursuant to Rules 52(b) and 59(b).
Plaintiff argues that the FBI failed to adequately search for records regarding Giancana. Specifically, plaintiff rebuts the Court's determination that the FBI (1)
In response to plaintiff's argument, defendant argues that plaintiff misrepresented a particular section of Hardy's declaration, a misrepresentation that would allow him to draw these inferences. Defendant explains that the plaintiff's statement — "the FBI agreed to process approximately 1,790 pages of the JFK Act records on Giancana which it had retained in its possession" — is false. Pl.'s Mot. at 4. Defendant argues that these copies did not specifically pertain to Giancana as the relevant portion of Hardy's declaration merely stated that "[a]s a result of the search for documents accessioned to NARA, the FBI located approximately 1,790 pages of material." Status Decl. of David M. Hardy [57-1] ¶ 10. Defendant argues that nowhere in the declaration does it state that the 1,790 pages specifically referred to Giancana. Id.
It is established law that an agency "`need not respond to a FOIA request for copies of documents where the agency itself has provided an alternative form of access,' i.e., making records available in a reading room." Oglesby v. United States Dep't of the Army, 920 F.2d 57, 70 (D.C.Cir.1990) (quoting Tax Analysts v. United States Dep't of Justice, 845 F.2d 1060, 1065 (D.C.Cir.1988)). In the present case, the record reflects that the documents that Lardner seeks "are open to the public and researchers may access the original documents in NARA's Textual Research Room at the National Archives Building in College Park, Maryland." Status Decl. of David M. Hardy ¶ 10. Although the FBI should have released these documents to Lardner in a timely fashion, since they are now publicly accessible, plaintiff has the ability to review the records. Notwithstanding this point, plaintiff's argument fails because he is merely re-litigating a stale legal theory, which will not be entertained under a Rule 59(e) motion. See Taylor, 268 F.Supp.2d at 35.
Plaintiff's second argument alleges that the FBI failed to search its Inactive Indices and ADB for responsive records. In support of this argument, plaintiff explains that "no description is given to indicate how this data was compiled, [or] how the subjects of the index were selected for inclusion." Pl.'s Mot. at 7. Plaintiff also argues that the FBI's failure to search more than one of the nine CRS databases failed to take into account recent case law. Id.; see Negley v. F.B.I., 658 F.Supp.2d 50, 57 (D.D.C.2009) (explaining that a "[d]efendant cannot limit its search to only one record system, which in this case was the
In response, the FBI counters plaintiff's argument that it failed to search the Inactive Indices of the Central Records System ("CRS") by describing the CRS and by explaining that it conducted a hand search for responsive records.
Contrary to plaintiff's argument that the FBI failed to describe its search methods, the Court determines that the FBI adequately searched for responsive documents. Indeed, the FBI detailed the process that it utilized when it manually searched through index cards for responsive files. Supp. Hardy Decl. ¶ 87-92. The standard for determining whether a search was adequate depends on the adequacy of the search for documents, not whether additional potentially responsive documents exist. Steinberg v. Dep't of Justice, 23 F.3d 548, 551 (D.C.Cir.1994). An adequate search consists of a good faith, reasonable search of those systems of records likely to possess the requested information. Oglesby v. Dep't of Army, 920 F.2d 57, 68 (D.C.Cir.1990). In fact, within the CRS, the FBI searched the ADB and the Inactive Indices for responsive files, ultimately finding "several FBIHQ main files [that] were identified as responsive to plaintiff's FOIA requests concerning these subjects." Supp. Hardy Decl. ¶ 91; Def.'s Opp. at 4. Although plaintiff continues to assert that the FBI created a major case file with regard to Giancana, this Court has already explained that mere speculation as to the existence of records not located as a result of the agency's search does not undermine the adequacy of the search. Mem. Op. at 7; Weisberg v. Dep't of Justice, 745 F.2d 1476, 1485 (D.C.Cir.1984).
Although plaintiff cites Negley for support, Negley is not applicable in the current situation. 658 F.Supp.2d at 58. In Negley, the Court reasoned that the FBI failed to adequately search for responsive records because the FBI only searched a single database, the "UNI", for responsive records although eight other databases existed. Id. The distinction between Negley and the present case is that in Negley, the plaintiff was somehow involved in the UNABOMB investigation, thus making it reasonable for the agency to search the "ZY" database for responsive records, which the FBI failed to do. Id. Here, the FBI explained that the ADB and the Inactive Indices were the databases most likely to contain responsive records — the FBI had no reason to search the "ZY" database for
Plaintiff raises five issues regarding the FBI's search for records concerning Dellacroce. First, plaintiff alleges that the FBI failed to search its Confidential Source Indices for records. Pl.'s Mot. at 10. Essentially, plaintiff argues that since the FBI has not denied that a Confidential Source Index exists regarding Dellacroce, an index must exist and he is entitled to those records. Id. In response, FBI argues that plaintiff merely "speculates" regarding the existence of a "`separate, independent index' other than the CRS." Def.'s Opp. at 6. The FBI asserts that if these confidential files existed, they would have been "located through a search of the FBI's automated CRS." Id.
In accordance with the requirements for an adequate search, the FBI searched several databases within the CRS for responsive documents regarding Dellacroce. Id. Plaintiff does not proffer any proof that such responsive documents would exist in the Confidential Source Indices, other than asserting that the FBI, on "an official form," searches the Confidential Source Indices for responsive records. Pl.'s Mot. at 10. Hardy, however, explained that the FBI "does not maintain any separate `confidential source' and `confidential informant' indices ... [because the] files of confidential sources of the FBI can be located through a search of the CRS." Supp. Hardy Decl. Since confidential sources are included in a search of the CRS — which included the ADB and the Inactive Indices in this case — the FBI conducted an adequate search. Def.'s Opp. at 6. Finally, as this Court has already noted, mere speculation as to the existence of records not located as a result of the agency's search does not undermine the adequacy of the search. See Weisberg, 745 F.2d at 1485.
Second, plaintiff asserts that he is now in possession of "new evidence" regarding the FBI's search of the Confidential Source Indices. Specifically, plaintiff alleges that he has "new evidence," proving that Dellacroce was an FBI informant. Pl.'s Mot. at 11. Plaintiff proffers a list of informants, speculating that "T-3" is Dellacroce, and he asks "the court (sic) to determine whether that is true or not." Pl.'s Mot. at 10. Relying on Memphis Commercial Publishing Company v. FBI, No. 10-1878, 2012 WL 269900, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11616 (D.D.C. Jan. 31, 2012), Lardner alleges that the FBI, by not releasing Dellacroce's information to him, is invoking the "Glomar defense" without acknowledging that it is doing so. Pl.'s Mot. at 10. The FBI counters Lardner's allegations by denying that it ever identified Dellacroce as an FBI informant. Def.'s Opp. at 6.
Plaintiff's reliance on Memphis Commercial Publishing is misplaced. In Memphis, the FBI disclosed information — when it publicly released information pertinent to the plaintiff's FOIA request — that "clearly showed" that the person in question was an FBI informant. Memphis Publ'g Co., 2012 WL 269900, at *4, LEXIS 11616 *11. Here, however, the FBI did not release any information regarding Dellacroce's
Third, plaintiff argues that since the FBI failed to provide Lardner with photographic copies of photographs and photographic albums (they were provided in Xerox form), the FBI failed to adequately search for responsive records. Pl.'s Mot. at 12. In response, defendant argues that it complied with plaintiff's request, providing photocopies of available photographs in its records. Def.'s Opp. at 6.
Plaintiff's argument fails — an agency satisfies its obligations under FOIA if it provides records in any format. Sample v. Bureau of Prisons, 466 F.3d 1086, 1088 (D.C.Cir.2006). Here, the FBI provided photocopies of the records plaintiff requested, thus fulfilling plaintiff's FOIA request. Pl.'s Mot. at 12. If plaintiff wanted the negatives of the photographs, he should have specified that in his original FOIA request — he cannot use this Motion for Partial Reconsideration to re-litigate a tired argument. See Taylor, 268 F.Supp.2d at 35.
Fourth, plaintiff argues that the FBI failed to disclose entire sections of FBI files, alleging that Hardy's declarations do not provide any details regarding the FBI's search methodology. Pl.'s Mot. at 14. Without this search methodology, plaintiff asserts that it would be impossible for the Court to determine whether the FBI conducted a good faith search. Id. In response, the FBI argues that plaintiff merely rehashes an old argument — plaintiff seems to believe that if there are missing files, it must follow that the FBI failed to adequately search for them. Def.'s Opp. at 6. Defendant offers various declarations of Hardy, which provide information regarding the procedure that the FBI utilized to search for missing files, to prove that the FBI adequately searched for the files that Lardner requested. Id. at 6, 7.
The Court again notes that "the adequacy of a FOIA search is generally determined not by the fruits of the search, but by the appropriateness of the methods used to carry out the search." Steinberg v. Dep't of Justice, 23 F.3d 548, 551 (D.C.Cir.1994); see also Nation Magazine, 71 F.3d at 892 n. 7 (explaining that "there is no requirement that an agency [locate] all responsive documents"). Whether an agency utilized "appropriate" methods in its search is governed by the reasonability of its search methods. Ramstack v. Dep't of the Army, 607 F.Supp.2d 94 (D.D.C. 2009). A search for responsive documents will not be considered "unreasonable" merely because "it fails to produce all relevant material; [as] no search of this [large] size will be free from error." Meeropol v. Meese, 790 F.2d 942, 952-53 (D.C.Cir. 1986); see also Snyder v. CIA, 230 F.Supp.2d 17, 21 (D.D.C.2002) (stipulating that FOIA does not require a search of "every conceivable area where responsive records might be found").
Plaintiff's argument lacks support. Plaintiff merely speculates regarding the existence of these missing files, failing to cite any new evidence that would support
Finally, in its Memorandum Opinion, this Court observed that Larder failed to comply with the applicable FOIA regulations and thus did not "effectively initiate a FOIA request." Mem. Op. at 10. Plaintiff argues that the Court's reliance on 28 C.F.R. § 16.3(a) is misplaced, since "the FBI agreed to search a large number of field office files for ELSUR materials even though he submitted no requests to those field offices." Pl.'s Mot. at 17. Plaintiff thus infers that since the FBI searched a large number of field office files for ELSUR materials (without receiving individual requests), the FBI could do the same for the records in this portion of plaintiff's FOIA request. Id. In response, defendant merely points to 28 C.F.R. § 16.3(a), which requires a party seeking records from the FBI to file requests with separate field offices.
A FOIA request must be made in accordance with an agency's "published rules stating the time, place, fees (if any) and procedures to be followed" in making such a request. 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(3)(A). A request for records maintained by a particular FBI field office must be submitted directly to that field office. 28 C.F.R. § 16.3(a). The FBI is not obligated to undertake a search of its field offices' records when a requester submits his request only to its headquarters. See Oglesby, 920 F.2d at 68 ("There is no requirement that an agency search every record system."); Church of Scientology of California v. Internal Revenue Service, 792 F.2d 146, 150 (D.C.Cir.1986) (when agency regulations require that FOIA request be submitted to specific office and requester does not follow regulations, agency not obligated to search additional offices); Marrera v. United States Dep't of Justice, 622 F.Supp. 51, 54 (D.D.C.1985) (noting that an agency is not required to "search every division or field office in response to a FOIA request.").
Plaintiff's argument lacks support. The FBI and Lardner stipulated and agreed that the FBI would search nineteen field offices in the interest of "narrowing disputed issues." Stipulation & Order Concerning Other Proceedings [15-1] 2-4, Feb. 23, 2004. Of note, however, is the fact that the FBI only agreed to search for the records specified in the September 14, 1993, FOIA request.
Plaintiff argues that based on the above arguments, a "disputed issue of material fact genuinely exists as to the adequacy of the search conducted by the FBI." Pl.'s Mot. at 17. Thus, plaintiff believes that the only way to resolve this issue is to conduct discovery regarding the disputed search issue pursuant to Rule 56(f). Id. In response, the FBI argues that this Court did not commit a "legal error" when it affirmed that the FBI's search was adequate. Def.'s Opp. at 2. Since this Court is denying plaintiff's motion to alter or amend its judgment pursuant to Rule 59(e), plaintiff's request for further discovery is similarly denied.
For the aforementioned reasons, this Court will deny plaintiff's Motion to Reconsider its judgment pursuant to Rule 59(e). An appropriate Order accompanies this Memorandum Opinion.
