University of Michigan FOIA Production – August 2017 OGC Intake of “Nick Bee” Allegations, Audio Communications, and Dr. Ella Kazerooni Contact
This post documents a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) response issued by the University of Michigan on February 21, 2019, producing records responsive to a request for communications relating to allegations attributed to “Nick” in August 2017.
The request sought all emails and related records, including internal University communications and external communications with third parties, concerning those allegations. The responsive records include communications attributed to “Nick Bee” alleging extortion, financial misconduct, and other alleged misconduct involving Dr. Bradley Foerster, Dr. Myria Petrou, and Dr. Paul Cronin. The University produced responsive records and withheld certain materials in part under claims of attorney-client privilege and advisory communications.
The records reflect that Dr. Ella Kazerooni, then serving as Division Director of Cardiothoracic Radiology at the University of Michigan and Dr. Paul Cronin’s direct departmental supervisor in 2017, was contacted in August 2017 regarding communications attributed to “Nick B.” Dr. Kazerooni later became Interim Chair of the Department of Radiology in early 2018.
“...he does respect and care about our boss dr. Ella kazerooni she has always been invested in all of her employees.”
— “Nick Bee” email later transmitted to University of Michigan OGC (August 2017) (Exhibit 5)
The matter was subsequently handled through the University of Michigan Office of General Counsel (OGC).
The production includes internal email communications involving OGC attorneys and reflects that the matter was actively coordinated following receipt, including participation by multiple OGC attorneys. The records also show that audio materials were transmitted to the University as part of these communications.
Certain identifying information has been redacted pursuant to a court-ordered confidentiality agreement.
The responsive records are presented below.
Exhibit 1 – University of Michigan FOIA Response Letter (February 21, 2019)
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University response identifying responsive records and asserting partial withholding under attorney-client privilege and advisory communications.
Exhibit 2 – Email Communication to Dr. Ella Kazerooni (August 12, 2017)
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Email reflecting transmission of a communication attributed to “Nick” to Dr. Kazerooni.
Exhibit 3 – OGC Follow-Up Communication (August 12–13, 2017)
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Email reflecting that Dr. Kazerooni directed the matter to the Office of General Counsel for follow-up.
Exhibit 4 – OGC Email Communications (August 2017)
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Exhibit 5 – “Nick Bee” Allegations Email (August 14, 2017)
Forwarded August 2017 communication attributed to “Nick Bee” containing allegations involving extortion, financial misconduct, and other alleged conduct concerning Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou, including statements identifying Dr. Ella Kazerooni as “our boss” in reference to Dr. Paul Cronin and the University of Michigan Department of Radiology.
Exhibit 6 – Audio Materials Transmitted to the University
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Attachments reflecting transmission of audio recordings associated with the communications.
No subsequent action or disposition is reflected in the records produced by the University in response to this FOIA request; later institutional records, including an October 1, 2018 Title IX memorandum, are not included in this production.
Related material: Archived contemporaneous 2017 GoosiLeaks excerpts concerning “Nick,” sworn testimony, and University of Michigan institutional discussions .
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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 active in the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.