March 28, 1968, Cleveland Press

Hippie poet D. A. Levy today was fined $200 in Juvenile Court for reading obscene poetry to two minors.

Levy , 24, who lives in East Cleveland but keeps his address secret to avoid attention of juveniles, had pleaded no contest on Feb. 8 to a charge of acting in a way which contributed to the delinquency of minors.

Judge Albert A. Woldman had delayed sentencing Levy pending a probation report.

Through his attorneys, Bernard Berkman and Gerald Gold, Levy informed the court that he does not wish to associate with juveniles promised never to read his poetry to juveniles and stated he never forced youngsters to listen to his readings.

"The only crime he’s guilty of is bad taste," said Gold in defense of Levy.

Levy was neatly dressed, his beard trimmed. He was accompanied by his wife, Dagmar, 20, who works as a waitress.

Levy earns about $25 a week as a poet and lecturer.

Judge Woldman released Levy on bond at his attorney’s request to enable him to raise the $200 fine. A six month term in the Workhouse was stayed on the condition that Levy pay the fine within a week and that he not associate with juveniles.