At the time of 5280 Magazine's February-March publication, did you not know that KBPI disc jockey Steven Meade, also known as Willie B, was charged with the crime of cruelty to animals? Lots of things are titillating, but cruelty is cool only to the sick at heart. Meade is now a convicted criminal awaiting sentence. His crime isn't a romantic one either, but the meanest sort of viciousness to a small female bird. He ordered a station intern to throw a defenseless hen twice from a balcony in order to record the sound and silence of her suffering on the air. He arranged a situation specifically in order to wound, terrify, and perhaps kill her for fun. I request that you retract your promotion of Meade as an eligible single.

On January 31st a six-member jury convicted Meade, who is scheduled to be sentenced for cruelty to animals on March 12th. He deserves the maximum sentence and more.

I don't know whether Meade is gay or straight, but unless his potential partners are into sexual bondage and S & M, they should stay clear of little willie. He is a small, aging man who picks on those who are smaller and younger than himself. He is bad news, unworthy of friends, and he should be fired from his job.

5280 Editor's note: Steven Meade was sentenced on March 12 to 24 one-hour counseling sessions for people convicted of animal cruelty. He was also fined $991, $400 of which will go to the Animal Protection Fund, and sentenced to 100 hours of community service.

At the time of his sentencing, Meade apologized for his actions. "What I did was stupid," he said. "It was a dumb prank. Believe me, there will be nothing on the radio even remotely close to this again."

5280 was unaware of the charges against Meade when we compiled our list of Denver's most eligible singles; his conviction came after the issue had been printed.

Had we known, Meade would not have been selected for the article. We apologize for his inclusion. -Ed.

United Poultry Concerns, Inc.
PO Box 150
Machipongo, VA 23405-0150
757-678-7875
FAX: 757-678-5070
www.upc-online.org

(UPC Letter Printed in Denver's Mile-High Magazine Re: Willie B)