Longtime talker Michael Harris “removed himself from the airwaves indefinitely” 9/26 after accusing his boss of financial fraud at News-Talk-Sports KCOH-AM Houston, reports KHOU-TV.
Heritage African-American radio outlet KCOH was transferred earlier (March) this year to a non-profit entity sure to change its format. The former 1430 kHz station went from the Estate of Michael Petrizzo to La Promesa Foundation in a combination sale/donation deal valued at $2.766M. Liberman Broadcasting provided KCOH a new home on 1230 kHz via LMA, on the channel currently used by its own KQUE-AM.
According to Harris, he took the action after thousands of dollars in loans that he secured for station expenses were misused by KCOH owner Jesse Dunn.
“He cheated. He connived. He stole,” Harris said.
Harris claims Dunn took a debit card addressed to Harris and spent money on gambling and other personal expenses.
Dunn admits going gambling but claims that the money belongs to him because he owns the company.
“Loans were not taken out in Michael Harris’ name,” Dunn said. “Loans were taken out in the name of the corporation, which I am the president of.”
Dunn said that KCOH can pay all of its bills and he claims Harris gave him the card to use.
Harris filed a criminal complaint with HPD, and police sources say officers with the financial crimes unit are investigating.
“He has ruined KCOH radio’s future,” Harris said.
RBR-TVBR contacted Liberman COO Winter Horton on the story. He had just heard about the development.
