Following a request for comment on the payment of $1.276 million by the city to a scam following its receipt of fraudulent emails, the following was received by Journal staff from Cottage Grove Public Safety Director Pete Koerner: “Unfortunately, I am unable to comment at this time. The case is still considered an active investigation and is therefore protected under 13.82 subd. 7. as criminal investigative data. Once the case progresses to the point I can provide data, I will reach out to you and provide a release. The City of Cottage Grove and our law enforcement partners on this case will be able to answer your questions in the future.”