The dispute over records given to Charlotte widow Missy Dolle raises a question about the scope and handling of documents produced during litigation. Dolle says the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office sent her records containing other people's Social Security numbers, birth dates, home addresses, juvenile records, arrest documents, a fingerprint card and an identifying photo unrelated to her case.
According to WCNC, Dolle, who has been representing herself in legal disputes over benefits she believes her late husband was owed, obtained a court order and subpoena for his personnel file, internal affairs records and other documents related to his time at the department. Keith Dolle worked for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office for 10 years before losing his job following a stroke; he later died of cancer this year. Missy Dolle says records produced in pursuing the documents included information about people unconnected to her case.
What Dolle Says She Received
Dolle told WCNC that the records included former coworkers' Social Security numbers, juvenile records, arrest documents and a person's fingerprints. She pointed to a 1999 Mecklenburg County life insurance record listing her name and five of Keith Dolle's coworkers, along with their Social Security numbers. Dolle says she secured the records and added redactions herself. She is asking that the people whose information was shared be notified, saying she wants to help prevent similar disclosures.
MCSO managing attorney Marilyn Porter disputed the suggestion that the office had acted improperly. Porter said Dolle's status as executrix entitled her to certain records about her husband that were not available to the general public, but did not necessarily authorize her to make all of those records public. She also said the office did not know which records Dolle had collected or created herself, or what sources she said they came from.
Sheriff's Office Defends Its Process
Porter said personnel files can refer to people involved in workplace incidents or disciplinary matters, as well as witnesses. She also said arrest records are public unless sealed by a court or lawfully expunged. MCSO has not acknowledged wrongdoing in this matter. According to WCNC, the office said it would take the same position on media requests concerning Dolle as it would for any party involved in formal or potential litigation-related adversarial action.
What North Carolina Law Says About Records
North Carolina's civil rules list barring discovery or allowing it only on specified terms and conditions as possible protective-order measures, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. The rule does not show whether a protective measure was sought or ordered in Dolle's case.
The sheriff's office told the station it would not comment further on Dolle's allegations and may take further steps through the courts if necessary.
An Attorney's Take On Redaction Duties
Civil attorney Paul Dickinson, who was not involved in the case, told WCNC that state law protects Social Security numbers, subject to exceptions including court orders or subpoenas. He said sensitive information generally should be redacted from records produced in litigation, noting that documents filed in a case may later become public exhibits. Dickinson also questioned whether the names of people unrelated to the dispute should have been disclosed.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides general information about lawsuits and small claims; that overview does not establish what protections applied to the records produced in Dolle's case.
