East Central Reporter

Mahomet Township's attorney, Michael A. Kraft, has issued a directive regarding records previously provided under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In an email, Kraft instructed that these records be destroyed and emails deleted. He also sought to prevent the FOIA requester from sharing the documents with others.

Kraft's email stated: "As set forth in my email below, you are again directed to immediately destroy any printed documents from yesterday’s document disclosure and to completely delete yesterday’s email attachment with those documents and any copies thereof. You are on notice that this is confidential and proprietary information that may not be shared with anyone."

The established legal framework for FOIA dictates that once records are released by a public body, they cannot be retracted or restricted in distribution without a court order—a measure seldom granted.

The situation raises questions about accountability when improper disclosures occur. The prevailing stance is clear: if inappropriate materials were released, it remains an issue for the disclosing party rather than the requester.