Zepeda convicted of felonies after violating probation

Star 105 radio host Andrew Zepeda.

BOWLING GREEN – After getting a reprieve in Wood County Common Pleas Court nearly two years ago, Star 105 morning radio host Andrew Zepeda today was found guilty of three felony charges stemming from a break-in at the pizzeria he once owned.

Judge Alan Mayberry found that Zepeda had violated the terms of his “intervention in lieu of conviction” plan, which included a prohibition on going places where alcohol was served and associating with people consuming alcoholic beverages. Zepeda admitted he took part in a celebrity boxing event in Toledo Sept. 13 where alcohol was served, and while he said he did not consume any alcohol or do anything more than take his turn in the ring, the judge said it did not matter.

“Do the conditions say, ‘unless it’s a charity event’ or ‘unless it’s a party at your neighbor’s house?’” Judge Mayberry asked.

It was Zepeda’s second violation. Last year, the judge found that he had violated the intervention plan by going to Fat Fish Blue/Funny Bone Comedy Club at Levis Commons. Zepeda also was filmed drinking what appeared to be champagne in a music video shot at Quimby’s bar in Toledo.

Zepeda, 43, of Perrysburg now is to be sentenced Dec. 20 on the charges that had in effect been suspended since February, 2011, when Judge Mayberry permitted him to undergo treatment for alcohol dependency rather than face prosecution for failing to pay sales tax and for orchestrating a break-in at a pizzeria he formerly owned at Levis Commons. Zepeda also was ordered to pay $40,882 to the state of Ohio for back sales tax.

At that time, Zepeda pleaded guilty to felony counts of complicity to breaking and entering, theft, and failure to remit sales tax, but was granted “intervention in lieu of conviction,” a plan that contained numerous conditions.

Zepeda said after the hearing that he loves appearing at charity events and finds it sad that that was what brought him back to court.

“The kids needed help. I boxed,” he said, referring to the boxing match that benefited the nonprofit International Boxing Club.

“They felt that to the letter of the law, it wasn’t followed,” Zepeda said of his intervention plan. “I felt the spirit was.”

Judge Mayberry allowed Zepeda to remain free on his own recognizance until sentencing with the same conditions in place.