FM Designated for Hearing on Attempted Rape Plot
The FCC will hold a hearing on the fitness of a Pennsylvania broadcaster to hold a license after he admitted to using a hidden camera and a cellphone in an attempt to have a woman he knew raped, said a…
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hearing designation order released Tuesday in docket 21-401. Roger Wahl, licensee of WQZS(FM) Meyersdale, pleaded guilty in July 2020 to the felony crime of criminal use of a communications facility and four misdemeanors involving the incident, said the HDO. Wahl’s convictions “raise the question” whether “he possesses the requisite character qualifications to remain a Commission licensee,” the HDO said. Wahl admitted in court to creating a fake dating profile of the woman, using a camera hidden in her bathroom to take and then send nude photos of the victim, and soliciting a man who responded to the profile to have sex with the victim without consent, the HDO said. Reportedly, at least some of these acts were carried out from WQZS facilities. He also deleted the evidence from his phone after learning of the investigation, the HDO said. “Even though Wahl’s attempt to inflict physical harm on the victim failed, he did inflict substantial emotional harm,” the HDO said. Wahl had sought to transfer the station to his daughter Wendy Sipple, which the bureau granted, but in July 2020 the decision was rescinded. Wahl’s application to transfer the station remains pending. Wahl and WQZS didn’t comment.