Opinion ID: 563773
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Post-Arrest Records

Text: 41 The records compiled after Doe's arrest, which include the records of his arrest and conviction and a document in the FBI's files describing his address book as containing the names of approximately 1,000 alleged radicals, clearly constitute law enforcement records for purposes of the Act. These documents were placed in the CRS pursuant to a FBI investigation of Doe's unauthorized possession of an explosive device. As Doe concedes, his commission of ... [this] crime was a legitimate impetus for an investigation of [his] ... possible involvement with [the federal crimes of] insurrection, seditious conspiracy and the possession of explosives. 9 Brief for Appellee/Cross-Appellant at 26-27. Thus, the post-arrest records meet the first prong of the Pratt test, because the investigatory activities that gave rise to the documents were related to the enforcement of federal laws. Pratt, 673 F.2d at 420. 42 In addition, we find that the FBI possessed a colorable claim of rationality for its investigation, thereby satisfying Pratt 's second prong. Certain materials seized from Doe's residence following his arrest resembled those used in recent unsolved bombing incidents in Michigan and neighboring states. Although FBI investigators ultimately concluded that no association could be made between the materials found at Doe's residence and those involved in these bombings, Doe's unlawful possession of explosives clearly justified the agency's investigation of possible further criminal involvement on his part, including the inquiry into his contacts and acquaintances that led to the agency record describing Doe's address book. As Doe has failed to point to any evidence that would suggest that the FBI was motivated by anything other than legitimate investigatory concerns, we conclude that the FBI's actions leading to the post-arrest records were reasonably related to a law enforcement purpose. Consequently, the FBI's exemption applies and Doe cannot maintain a subsection (g)(1)(A) action seeking the expungement of these records. 43