A Journal-World open records request for emails written and received by a former high-ranking Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services official revealed no additional information about his abrupt resignation in January.

Pedro Moreno, deputy secretary for disability and behavioral health services, resigned Jan. 23. SRS has declined comment about the resignation.

The Journal-World requested emails from Moreno’s state email account for the two weeks prior to his resignation. Nearly 1,000 pages of emails, at a cost of $283, made no reference to the resignation.

However, 14 sets of emails, including 151 email chains, were denied in the request for a variety of Kansas Open Records Act exemptions, such as for personnel matters and internal policy recommendations.

Moreno’s duties included oversight of state mental health facilities, such as Larned State Hospital. He also oversaw addiction and prevention services, as well as the Kansas Neurological Institute. Moreno was hired Feb. 13, 2011, by SRS Secretary Robert Siedlecki.

Before coming to Kansas, Moreno worked in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and more recently in a supervisory role with the state of Florida.

Gary Haulmark, former member of the Kansas Legislature and legislative director at SRS, was appointed to Moreno’s former position in April.