University of Michigan FOIA 260036: Dr. Myria Petrou Seeks Records Concerning “Shonda” — Two Appeals and No Records Produced Over a Year Later
Background: Why FOIA 260036 Sought Records Concerning “Shonda”
“Shonda” did not first appear in the documentary record in 2025. In January–February 2018, Maria Petrou, Dr. Myria Petrou’s mother, reported allegations to FBI Special Agent Sue Lucas concerning an individual she identified as “Shonda.” Maria described “Shonda” as a woman from Detroit whom she believed was controlling or influencing Dr. Petrou and Dr. Bradley Foerster. Those FBI complaint and interview records were later produced in unredacted form by the University of Michigan and are presented separately in the archive.
Dr. Petrou and Dr. Foerster were unaware at the time that Maria Petrou had separately contacted the FBI. They learned of those contacts after the University of Michigan produced unredacted FBI records in response to FOIA in September 2019.
Against that background, on July 4, 2025, Dr. Petrou submitted University of Michigan FOIA Request 260036, seeking “any and all documents/investigations” concerning “Shonda” or “MS.” The request sought University records concerning the unidentified individual already appearing in the earlier investigative record.
July 28, 2025: University of Michigan FOIA Response and Fee Estimate
On July 28, 2025, the University responded to FOIA 260036 by quoting the scope of Dr. Petrou’s request and stating that processing it would require time to search for, locate, examine, and review responsive records. The University estimated the total cost at $125, required a $62 deposit, and estimated that it would complete its response within 60 business days after receipt of the deposit.
The accompanying fee itemization estimated 0.75 hours to search for, locate, and examine responsive records and 1.75 hours to review records for separation of exempt from nonexempt information. The estimate documented the search and review work the University anticipated performing in response to FOIA 260036.
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August 13, 2025: Deposit Receipt Confirmed
University of Michigan Chief FOIA Officer Shannon Hill later confirmed that the FOIA Office was notified on August 13, 2025 that Dr. Petrou’s money order for FOIA 260036 had been received.
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November 12, 2025: First Appeal — Constructive Denial
On November 12, 2025, Dr. Petrou submitted an appeal asserting constructive denial of FOIA 260036. The appeal cited the University’s 60-business-day processing estimate, the confirmed receipt of the $62 deposit, and the absence of a completed response, and requested immediate release of the records.
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February 8, 2026: Second FOIA Appeal
After the requested documents still had not been produced, Dr. Petrou filed a second FOIA appeal on February 8, 2026, again seeking resolution of FOIA 260036 and production of the requested records concerning “Shonda” or “MS.”
February 19, 2026: Office of the President Response
On February 19, 2026, the University of Michigan Office of the President responded to Dr. Petrou’s February 8 appeal. The response stated that the rationale concerning delay was “not grounds for an appeal” under the cited provision of Michigan FOIA, characterized the University’s processing timeframe as a nonbinding estimate, and stated that the FOIA Office was working to process outstanding requests.
Current Status — September 2026
Following the second appeal, the University continued to extend the processing timeline for FOIA 260036.
As of September 2026, more than a year after the original July 4, 2025 request, Dr. Petrou has not received the requested documents concerning “Shonda” or “MS.”
The underlying records question therefore remains unresolved: whether the University of Michigan possesses documents or investigative records concerning the individual identified as “Shonda” in the earlier investigative record.
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.