FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2002

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

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that on February 5, 2003, in the United States Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, United States Magistrate, Honorable David A. Baker sentenced Benjamin Leroy Carter to 18 months probation, 4 months of which will be served as home confinement. In addition, Carter is required to perform 50 hours of community service.

The conditions of probation stipulate that Carter must not violate any Federal, State or Local laws, including Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division.

The conviction and subsequent sentencing 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 radio broadcast stations in the area. Carter pled guilty to seven counts of unlicensed radio operation and agreed to forfeit all equipment used in connection with the unlicensed operation in November of 2002.

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