Sarah Matthews v. Office of the Attorney General (SPR 20240282)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records February 12, 2024 SPR24/0282 Hanne Rush, Esq. Assistant Attorney General Records Access Officer Office of the Attorney General One Ashburton Place, 20th Floor Boston, MA 02108 Dear Attorney Rush: I have received the petition of Sarah Matthews, Esq., of ProPublica, appealing the response of the Office of the Attorney General (AGO) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On October 18, 2023, Byard Duncan of ProPublica requested the following records: [1.] ... all records your agency possesses that pertain to its April 5, 2019 Assurance of Discontinuance (Docket number: 19-1079E) against Exeter Finance LLC. These records include, but are not limited to: all legal filings, exhibits, investigatory records, internal agency communications, responses from Exeter Finance representatives, and ... [2.] A review of ‘Exeter’s business practices in Massachusetts.’ (p. 2) [3.] The ‘Relief List’ provided to Exeter by Massachusetts.’ AGO. (p. 4) [4,] The ‘CID production dated March 29, 2019.’ (p. 4) [5.] The ‘Final Borrower List.’ (p. 5) [6.] A copy of the ‘letter drafted by the AGO to each borrower on the Final Borrower List.’ (p. 5) The AGO responded on November 1, 2023. Unsatisfied with the response, Attorney Matthews petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/0282, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the AGO intends on providing a further response to Attorney Matthews. Accordingly, the AGO is to provide Attorney Matthews with said response in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Attorney Matthews may appeal the substantive nature of the AGO's response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us

Hanne Rush, Esq. SPR24/0282 Page 2 February 12, 2024 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Sarah Matthews, Esq. Byard Duncan