AAPD Case 17-3517: Former Ann Arbor City Attorney Thomas Kent Joins University of Michigan Counsel — University Estimates $1,447 for Records Concerning Drs. Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou; No Records Produced After More Than a Year of Extensions (2025–2026)
Former Ann Arbor City Attorney Thomas Kent represented the City in proceedings arising from AAPD Case 17-3517, involving Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou.
In April 2017, attorney Michael Reynolds reported that Mr. Kent had described a multipage affidavit portraying Dr. Foerster and Dr. Petrou in a highly unfavorable light, but the affidavit was not produced at the April 14 hearing. Mr. Kent also communicated with University of Michigan counsel Christine Gerdes about the AAPD investigation while still serving as City Attorney.
In September 2017, Mr. Kent submitted a response to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission requesting that search-warrant materials concerning Dr. Foerster and Dr. Petrou not be provided to them. That request and the surrounding correspondence are documented in the September 2017 Attorney Grievance Commission record .
Shortly afterward, Mr. Kent left the City of Ann Arbor and joined the University of Michigan Office of General Counsel.
Dr. Foerster and Dr. Petrou had no subsequent professional interactions or proceedings involving Mr. Kent during their University of Michigan employment. This leaves unresolved questions about the purported affidavit, the information exchanged with University counsel, and what related records, if any, the University possesses.
On July 17, 2025, Dr. Petrou submitted University of Michigan FOIA Request No. 260085, seeking records in the possession of Mr. Kent or his assistants referencing Dr. Petrou or Dr. Foerster.
On August 8, 2025, the University estimated the cost of processing the request at $1,447 and required a $723 deposit. The University estimated completion within 120 business days after receiving payment.
Dr. Petrou paid the $723 deposit.
September 4, 2026 — Renewed FOIA Appeal
More than a year after the request was submitted, and following numerous extensions, the University had produced no responsive records and issued no final determination. The University continued to retain the $723 deposit paid to process the request.
On September 4, 2026, Dr. Petrou renewed her appeal, asking the University to complete the request, produce nonexempt responsive records, and issue a final determination.
The appeal emphasized Mr. Kent's earlier involvement in AAPD Case 17-3517 and the absence of subsequent professional interactions or proceedings involving him that would readily explain the University's estimated processing cost.
September 18, 2026 — University of Michigan Response
On September 18, 2026, Steve Yaros, Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, responded to Dr. Petrou's appeal.
Mr. Yaros stated:
“The rationale stated in your letter pertaining to the delay in an official response from our Freedom of Information Act Office is not grounds for an appeal under the Michigan FOIA Section 4 (8)”
Mr. Yaros cited the statutory provision describing FOIA processing-time estimates as nonbinding and stated that the University's FOIA Office was working to process outstanding requests.
The September 18 response did not identify responsive records, provide a completion date, or issue a final determination on FOIA Request No. 260085.
October 11, 2026 — Outstanding FOIA Request
As of October 11, 2026, following numerous extensions and more than fourteen months since the request was submitted, the University has produced no responsive records, issued no final determination, and continues to retain Dr. Petrou's $723 deposit.
Supporting Documentary Records
Exhibit 1 — August 8, 2025: University FOIA Cost Estimate and $723 Deposit
The University's $1,447 processing estimate and documentation of Dr. Petrou's payment.
Exhibit 2 — September 4, 2026: Renewed FOIA Appeal
Dr. Petrou's renewed appeal requesting completion of FOIA No. 260085 and production of nonexempt responsive records.
Exhibit 3 — September 18, 2026: University Response
Mr. Yaros's written response addressing the renewed appeal and the University's position concerning processing-time estimates.
AAPD Case 17-3517 Documentary Chronology
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Selected Reporting
- Bradley Foerster Submits 140-Exhibit, 1,121-Page Documentary Chronology to FBI for Supervisory Review of the Investigation Involving Dr. Bradley Foerster, Dr. Myria Petrou, and Duaa Altaee
- From One FBI File to a Legislative Proposal: Peter and Maria Foerster Ask Senator Van Hollen's Office and Congressman Jamie Raskin to Consider a Uniform Administrative Framework for Federal Investigations
- Eva Feldman Documentary Chronology: 139 Exhibits on NIH R01NS082304, University Proceedings, and Federal Investigation — No Response Received
- Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou Send Ann Arbor Officials Documentary Chronology on AAPD and Related Federal Investigations — No Response Received
- Timothy Lynch Documentary Chronology: 63 Exhibits on University of Michigan Office of General Counsel, University Investigations, and Law Enforcement — No Response Received
- Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou Documentary Chronology: 8 Exhibits Document More Than Two Years of Efforts to Trace Bank of Ann Arbor's $1.4 Million Sheriff's Sale Credit Bid — No Response Received
Brad Foerster, MD PhD
Brad Foerster is a FOIA advocate documenting requests, transparency disputes, and accountability investigations involving public agencies, universities, police oversight, and Russia-Gate related inquiries. His work compiles original documents, timelines, and analysis of public records and institutional responses. Brad is also a board-certified radiologist, author of Town & Gown, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Brad lives in Potomac, Maryland with his family and is a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.