"Cops shut down pirate radio station that broadcast information on gangs, prostitution
From OrlandoSentinel.com staff reports 10:10 AM EST, March 7, 2009
ORLANDO, Florida - A pirate radio station broadcasting from south Orlando that officials say announced information on criminal gangs and promoted where to buy drugs was shut down last night, and two men have been arrested.
The pirate radio station, dubbed "Street Heat," broadcasted live advertisements referencing gangs, promoted where to buy illegal narcotics or solicit prostitution and offered gang-related advice such as how to fold a "flag," or bandanna, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
A two-week investigation by the sheriff's office's gang unit and the Federal Communications Commission found that radio signals were emanating from an antenna mounted in a tree behind a residence on 30th Street in Orlando. FCC investigators found a cable from the antenna and traced it entering a window on the northwest side of the home.
FCC records show no license had been issued for the operation of a broadcast station at the residence. An Orange County SWAT team executed a search warrant at the home just before 9 p.m. Friday night. Balthazard Senat and Christopher Robert Roth were arrested and charged with unauthorized transmission and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Roth was identified as a DJ for the pirate radio station, which was operating out of his bedroom."
If I remember correctly this isn't the first time something like that took place. There was a story from years ago where a pirate got busted for telling people where to score drugs over the air. I will have to find the story if it's still floating around but it was a long time ago.
I agree, this kind of shit gives pirate stations a bad name. It's a good thing they busted that operation, just bad that it had to happen in the first place and be associated with pirate radio.