The FCC issued an Order of Dismissal and Termination against Jack R. Sharples of Florida concerning the matter of his application for a new Amateur Radio license. In May, in a Hearing Designation Order, the FCC called Sharples "a convicted felon and registered sexual predator," and said "Sharples's felony conviction for at least one sexual-related offense involving children raises material and substantial questions as to whether he possesses the requisite character qualifications to be a Commission licensee. Although Sharples's felony adjudications occurred more than seven years ago, the nature of the criminal misconduct, and the fact that the Amateur Radio Service is particularly attractive to children, call into serious question whether he should be permitted to obtain an Amateur Radio authorization." Sharples had 20 days since the release of the HDO to file a written appearance; on June 19, "he submitted to the Presiding Judge a document in which he set forth reasons for filing an [Amateur Radio license] Application, notwithstanding his felony convictions [and] the document was received as a good faith Notice of Appearance. "Sharples, in a telephone call with the FCC requested more time to consider whether he would continue to prosecute his Application. The request was granted without objection." On June 27, Sharples sent a fax to the Presiding Judge withdrawing his application for an Amateur Radio license. The FCC's request to dismiss the application with prejudice and terminate the preceding was granted, as was Sharples's application for an Amateur Radio license, also with prejudice, on August 1.
* FCC issues "show cause" order to Washington licensee: The FCC has asked David L. Titus, KB7ILD, of Seattle, Washington, to justify why his General class Amateur Radio license should not be revoked. The Commission Enforcement Bureau's January 30 Order to Show Cause in EB Docket No. 07-13 initiates a hearing process to determine whether Titus "is qualified to remain a Commission licensee" in light of a 1993 felony conviction for "communicating with a minor for immoral purposes." According to the FCC order, Titus received a 25-month prison sentence, and the Seattle Police Department identifies him as a registered sex offender. The FCC says the Communications Act of 1934 provides that it may revoke any license if conditions come to its attention that would warrant a denial of the licensee's original application. The Commission said felony convictions, "especially those involving sexual offenses involving children," raise questions regarding a licensee's character qualifications. While Titus's conviction was some 14 years ago, "the nature of his criminal misconduct and the fact the Amateur Radio Service is particularly attractive to children call into serious question whether he should be permitted to retain his Amateur Radio authorization," the FCC said. Titus has 30 days to respond. The burden of proof in a hearing would be on the Enforcement Bureau. The show cause order is on the FCC Web site <http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-377A1.pdf>. -----Original Message----- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Hudson Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2008 1:38 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Registered Sex Offenders Paul Plack - Please site the law that forbids felons from having ham radio licenses. You act like you speak with authority - I'd like you to demonstrate it for me please. Bill - W6CBS _____ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 9:31 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Registered Sex Offenders If they're registered, that means they were convicted at one time, and probably have some condition of a parole or early release which prohibits contact with youth. I would ask the local police to see if that is the case. If it is, simply record the contacts, and ham radio will be the least of their concerns. If they were convicted of felonies, it's possible the FCC doesn't know, and would revoke their licenses if notified. 73, Paul, AE4KR ----- Original Message ----- From: Don <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Repeater-Builder@ <mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 4:58 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Registered Sex Offenders Hello I hope Everyone is doing Well , Some things We do not like talking about Except with our Ham friends Privately and I am sure My Topic is one that may effect all of us But I have a Question and I have got a lot of Opinions , But I Need to know if Anyone Has the Real answer and can Give ,Me the FCC Rule Etc A group of us are aware of a Couple Registered Sex Offenders who are Lic Ham Radio operators, They use some of the Local Repeaters . And have Engages in conversations with Lets say Younger Ham radio Operators, Boy Scouts, little league Etc We would like to Know is there is a FCC Ruling against Them still Holding and using a Valid Amateur Radio Lic I know this question will cause a Frenzy of comments, But I am sure others would like to know to So lets keep the answers and comments Civil. All of also know with the homeland Security some clubs have been given funds for Equipment and Training, I would hate for an Incident Come up because of the above Question, normally in Life changes are not made until something bad happens. PS I have a Repeater on 440 and 220 do I flip the big switch on them I am not judging Innocent or Guilt that will be done in a higher place 73 De Don KA9QJG
