Former sheriff charged as radio pirate

A former Travis County Sheriff is being charged for breaking the law by running his own pirate radio station and illegally broadcasting the controversial Alex Jones radio show.

Alex Jones, who describes his radio show as "conspiracy-tinted site containing strong opposition to socialism, communism, and the New World Order," said he had no idea Frank was illegally broadcasting his show.

The FCC adopted the forfeiture order on Nov. 5 and ordered former Travis County sheriff Raymond Frank pay $10,000 for "willfull and repeated violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934." Frank was the head of the Travis County Sheriff's Office from 1972 to 1981.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, this was not the first time Raymond Frank has been caught. The FCC also found Frank illegally operating 100.1 FM in 2007 and operating 90.1 FM in July 2009.

In the West Lake Hills there are plenty of radio towers, but Frank has a radio tower jutting out of his home.

According to the forfeiture order, "Mr. Frank asserts that, as a citizen of the Republic of Texas, he is not subject to the laws of the United states or the Commission's Rules."

It goes on to say Frank claims "the Commission lacks jurisdiction over his actions, because he operated a radio station solely within the boundaries of the State of Texas."

Frank spoke to KXAN Austin News on the phone, but declined an on-camera interview.