A New York amateur radio operator is facing the prospect of a major fine from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for deliberately interfering with other radio amateur operations.

The case against Harold Guretzky of Richmond Hill (Queens), NY is outlined in a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture issued by the FCC in early October. According to the Notice, Guretzky repeatedly caused interference to a nearby amateur repeater in 2017 and 2018, thereby preventing other amateur licensees from using the repeater and prompting the filing of “numerous” complaints with the Commission.

Despite several verbal and written warnings from agents of the Enforcement Bureau, Guretzky continued to interfere with the repeater until at least December 2018. In addition to preventing other amateur radio operators from conducting legitimate communications, Guretzky also reportedly made threatening comments to other operators. These actions led to the Commission’s decision to propose a penalty in the amount of $17,000 against Guretzky in connection with his violations of FCC rules.

FCC Report - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-19-989A1.pdf