Mississippi Public Records Act: Results of misconduct investigation of former chief medical examiner Dr. Mark LeVaughn

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

A copy of the investigative findings report or ‘investigative summary’ related to the 2020 investigation into former Mississippi Chief Medical examiner Dr. Mark LeVaughn.

If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform us first if the cost will exceed $50. However, the law allows you to impose a waiver or reduction of fees when information is sought in the public interest, as is the case for this request.

We, Documenting COVID-19, are a nonprofit organization working on behalf of news organizations, academics and other public bodies to provide clear, timely information for public dissemination. We have recently published our findings in The New York Times, The Washington Post and other publications.

This information is in the public interest as coronavirus remains a threat to public health. If access to the records I am requesting will take longer than the required amount of time, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.

Please provide any responsive records in electronic format by email attachment, if at all possible.
For any documents that are withheld on the grounds of an exemption, privilege, or other reason, please justify each omission separately by reference to specific exemptions of the law, and release all reasonably segregable portions of otherwise exempt material.

We reserve the right to appeal any decisions. We will only modify this request in writing, not via telephone.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 7 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Dillon Bergin

Hello,

Please find the request form attached. Thank you for your help with this request.

Sincerely,
MuckRock

Hello,

I have a few follow-up questions related your denial of my public records request, and the specific exception that you cited.

1. Is the investigation of Dr. Mark LeVaughn still ongoing in any way?
2. What type of details in the investigative summary would at this point a.) interfere with an investigation (if there is one still going) or b.) put in danger the lives of any victims, law enforcement personnel, or informants?

Thank you,
Dillon