Friday, March 19, 2010
Staff report
CLEVELAND
Louie B. Free of Boardman, a self-employed radio talk-show host, has pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of failing to file federal-tax returns.
Free, whose real name is Louis A. Wolk, was charged with failing to file for 2004, 2005 and 2006, when he earned $74,150, $46,810 and $17,945, respectively.
Each count carries up to a year in prison and up to a $100,000 fine.
Wolk, 56, of South Cadillac Drive, is the host of the “Brainfood from the Heartland” program, which airs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, on WGFT-AM 1330 in Youngstown and on vindy.com.
Wolk appeared Thursday before U.S. Magistrate James S. Gallas, who released him on a $20,000 unsecured bond pending his 10:30 a.m. June 9 sentencing.
As conditions of his release, Wolk is barred from possessing a firearm, and his travel is restricted to northern Ohio and Sharon, Pa.
Wolk pleaded guilty to an information, which is a formal written accusation from a prosecutor that charges someone with a crime.
An information can be used only if the defendant waives indictment by a grand jury.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS.