Summary
FOIA request submitted December 15, 2025 seeking all Department of State communications and records relating to the characterization of Sgt. Kelvin Blas as a “romance scam,” including evidence supporting the determination, internal deliberations, headquarters review, and communications with advocates or congressional offices.
The Department acknowledged the request on February 13, 2026 and assigned it to the complex processing track, citing “unusual circumstances” due to the need to search additional offices and/or Foreign Service posts. Expedited processing was denied. A fee waiver determination is pending in separate correspondence.
This request seeks to document the factual basis, if any, underlying the Department’s repeated use of the “romance scam” characterization and to determine whether verified military service, citizenship, or subsequent review prompted reconsideration.
The Department acknowledged the request on February 13, 2026 and assigned it to the complex processing track, citing “unusual circumstances” due to the need to search additional offices and/or Foreign Service posts. Expedited processing was denied. A fee waiver determination is pending in separate correspondence.
This request seeks to document the factual basis, if any, underlying the Department’s repeated use of the “romance scam” characterization and to determine whether verified military service, citizenship, or subsequent review prompted reconsideration.
Procedural History & Updates
- December 15, 2025 – Original FOIA request submitted
- February 13, 2025 – Acknowledgment issued approximately 60 days after receipt. Unusual circumstances invoked at time of acknowledgment rather than within statutory 20-day response window.