The FCC has received paperwork that seeks its approval of the transfer of shares in Legend Communications held by Susan Patrick to her now ex-husband, Larry Patrick, a move precipitated by her tax fraud case and subsequent imprisonment.
Legend Communications of Wyoming is the state’s largest radio broadcasting company, servicing Cody and Worland; Sheridan and Buffalo; Gillette and their surrounding communities by actively operating 22 broadcast radio stations, three FM translators, and a digital marketing business. This includes the “Big Horn Radio Network.”
Until now, Legend has been a 50/50 partnership between Larry and Susan Patrick.
As RBR+TVBR reported in February 2024, Susan Patrick was sentenced to 15 months in prison by a Maryland federal district judge for “willfully making and subscribing a false tax return.” In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III for the District of Maryland ordered Ms. Patrick to serve one year of supervised release and to pay millions of dollars in restitution to the United States.
The restitution of approximately $3,843,922 was agreed upon February 15.
This makes Susan Patrick a convicted felon, and therefore prohibited from holding any attributable interest in broadcast properties. Now, for a $1 token purchase price, Larry Patrick is acquiring her shares in Legend, making him the 100% equity holder for the company.
The filing includes an eight-page declaration outlining Larry Patrick’s long history in the broadcast industry, and his independence of financial interests from Susan Patrick. It also provides specific details as to how in January 2023 he found a taped note on his kitchen table from Susan informing him that she would no longer be living in their marital home — because she was facing unstated issues. It was not until September 1, 2023, while in Los Angeles to celebrate the birthday of his son from another marriage, that he learned of Susan’s guilty plea; he learned of it via a media report, Mr. Patrick stated.
A stipulated decree of divorce was granted on March 15.
Serving as Susan Patrick’s legal counsel is Dawn Sciarrino of Sciarrino & Shubert PLLC. Larry Patrick’s legal counsel is David Oxenford of Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP.
