The City of Eden Prairie has filed its formal response to a lawsuit alleging that police unlawfully released private information about a Washington County man, leading to a threatening phone call and emotional distress.
In an Oct. 21 filing in Hennepin County District Court, attorneys Stephanie Angolkar and Emma Baker of Iverson Reuvers in Bloomington denied nearly all claims brought by Bennie Jacobs, who accuses the Eden Prairie Police Department of violating the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Jacobs’ Oct. 3 complaint says his personal data was disclosed in a report connected to a December 2024 police interview involving his brother. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office later reviewed that matter and declined to file charges, concluding the evidence did not support prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt.
In its response, the city acknowledged that Jacobs attended his brother’s interview but said he tried to record the conversation and was told his name would appear in the report because he participated. The city said Jacobs was listed “as a witness to agency action” and disputed that his information was released improperly.
The filing adds that Jacobs was advised he could request redaction of his data and that his May 7, 2025, request “was promptly approved the same day.” The city also argues that the complaint “fails to state a cause of action upon which relief may be granted” and that any alleged damages stemmed from circumstances outside the city’s control. It further asserts that employees acted “in good faith” within the scope of their duties.
Jacobs is represented by Sonia Miller-Van Oort and Hannah McDonald of Sapientia Law Group in Minneapolis. In an earlier statement to EPLN, Miller-Van Oort said she could not comment in detail while the case is active but added, “We are hopeful that Eden Prairie will take responsibility for their conduct affecting Mr. Jacobs.” A city spokesperson previously said the city cannot comment on pending litigation.
The case, assigned to Judge Laurie Miller, remains pending in Hennepin County District Court. Both sides have indicated plans for mediation in early 2026 and a jury trial in October 2026.