In a fiery legal showdown that could shake the foundation of federal enforcement procedures, Miami-area DJ Fabrice Polynice, better known as DJ Paz, is battling a staggering $2.4 million fine from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over allegations he ran a pirate radio station for more than a decade.
But Polynice isn’t backing down. In a bold petition filed Monday, he argues that the FCC’s administrative fine process is unconstitutional, citing the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in SEC v. Jarkesy. That ruling, issued last year, held that civil penalties by federal agencies require jury trials, not internal adjudications.
“Radio Touché Douce” and the FCC’s Hammer
The FCC slapped Polynice with the $2.39 million penalty for operating “Radio Touché Douce” on 90.1 MHz without a license since 2012 — a violation that the agency claims could disrupt emergency communications in the Miami area.
Last month, the commission reaffirmed the penalty, brushing off Polynice’s plea for leniency, which included evidence of financial hardship, stating he earned just $14,000 to $15,600 annually between 2021 and 2023.
