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Free avoids prison, gets probation
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
CLEVELAND
Louie B. Free, the self-employed radio talk-show host, is relieved that he’ll be free to stay on the air and out of prison, his lawyer, Damian A. Billak, said after Free’s sentencing.
U.S. Magistrate James S. Gallas sentenced Free, whose real name is Louis A. Wolk, on Friday to two years’ probation, with the first six months of it under electronically monitored house arrest, with work-release privileges, consistent with Billak’s recommendation.
Free, 57, of Boardman, earlier had pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of failing to file federal income-tax returns for 2004, 2005 and 2006, when he earned $74,150, $46,810 and $17,945, respectively.
“Louie’s extremely relieved that this is finally over,” Billak said. “It’s been something that’s bothered him for quite some time, and he’s pleased with the sentence.”
Besides imposing the probation, Gallas fined Free $5,000 and ordered him to perform 200 hours of community service and cooperate fully with the IRS. Billak said Free would pay any taxes he owes the IRS, but Billak said that amount is still to be determined.
Free, who earlier had filed for bankruptcy and been the target of two foreclosure actions, is barred from incurring new credit charges or opening additional lines of credit without his probation officer’s approval.
Free also must disclose to his probation officer any personal financial information that officer requests.
Justin Roberts, the assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted the case, did not make a sentencing recommendation during the sentencing hearing. Free had no prior criminal record.
Billak said after the hearing that Free would have no comment on his tax case.
Free is host of “Brainfood from the Heartland” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday on WGFT-AM 1330.
A host of letters from members of Free’s family and Free’s professional contacts urged Gallas not to send the talk-show host to prison.