New allegations detail trouble on KCOH’s block

KCOH radio station seems to be in turmoil again. After being a part of KCOH for over 38 years, morning talk show host Michael Harris has left the airwaves. Wednesday, September 25, was his last day on his popular talk show, Person to Person. Harris recently leveled allegations that KCOH’s principal owner, Jesse Dunn, spent money meant to support the station on gambling trips and personal living expenses, while leaving the station financially vulnerable.

According to Harris, the station has been struggling to stay afloat since the transition from 1430am to 1230am. Dunn has consistently sought advertisers and lending sources and maintains the radio station can pay its staff and bills.

Harris claims in May of this year, Dunn approached him for assistance in securing a loan to cover KCOH operating expenses. According to Harris, he and Dunn secured $170,000 in loans from three different institutions, the largest of which was $100,000 from Frost Bank. The loan was issued in the name of the radio station, but personally secured by Michael Harris.

Harris claims Dunn requested a debit card be issued so the station could do it’s banking via the internet. Harris states he was adamant that he did not want to get a debit card, but claims Dunn and the bank officer insisted it was the only way to enroll in internet banking.

According to Harris, when the debit card arrived at the station Dunn began to use it to fund trips to casinos and for other personal expenses. Community activists obtained bank statements which detail over $20,000 spent in Las Vegas and at Louisiana casino sites.

Harris and his attorney, Darrell Jordan, have filed a criminal complaint with the Houston Police Department. They accuse Dunn of committing debit card abuse by possessing and using a debit card issued in the name of Michael Harris without Harris’ consent.

Dunn has retained attorney Harold Dutton to defend himself against the allegations. Dutton has stated the debit card belongs to the station and not to Harris. Dunn has conceded he used the card to fund gambling, but also he was well within his rights.

The coming weeks will clear up a lot about the situation. KCOH radio has been a beacon for over 50 years and its viability is of great importance to the community.

, ,

Comments are closed.