FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 8, 2002

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: John Winston (202) 418-7450

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that an investigation by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau has led to the conviction of Benjamin Leroy Carter on seven counts of unlicensed operation.

Carter, a native of Haiti, now residing in Orlando, Florida, was released on a signature bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for February 5, 2003. The bond stipulated that Carter must not violate any Federal, State or Local laws including Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

The conviction is the result of an investigation that began in February of 1999. The Commission's Tampa Florida Office received complaints from residents and broadcasters in the Orlando Florida area of interference to the reception of licensed broadcast stations in the area. Carter pled guilty to seven counts of unlicensed operation and agreed to forfeit all equipment used in connection with the unlicensed operation. The case was prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorney, Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division.

The operation of an unlicensed broadcast station is a violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Operators of unlicensed stations may be subject to monetary penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. In addition, unlicensed operators may be subject to criminal sanctions, including fines and imprisonment.

Enforcement Bureau Contact: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 / TTY 1(888) 835-5322