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4 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 5 UPFRONT

requested that the reserve funds be Laber. These three men managed the Tania Menesse. “We need to help concentrated.) FORMER COUNCILMAN ZACK REED WANTS used to expedite their reimbursement “Optima” companies and U.S. assets, incentivize development in other Nevertheless, the report because of their financial challenges which were ultimately controlled by neighborhoods with other tools.” recommended establishing a TO BE PART OF THE CLEVELAND 2021 due to Covid-19. Councilwoman Ukrainian oligarchs Igor Kolomoisky Total abatements reached their displacement threshold at which the Sunny Simon noted that the and Gennadiy Bogolyubov. peak in 2007, the report found, with city could adjust the time period and county was experiencing financial Schochet was the man in more than 7,000 actively abated percentage of offered abatements MAYORAL DISCUSSION challenges of its own and wasn’t Cleveland. In 2019, he told Scene properties. The number of newly based on market conditions FORMER CLEVELAND CITY exactly in an ideal position to that allegations in a lawsuit which abated parcels has steadily declined The report also recommended Councilman and 2017 mayoral “float” the Indians money. Silliman described the “Optima Schemes” in since the Great Recession, but a capping abatements for new single- candidate Zack Reed rejected the responded that this should not be detail were “false, defamatory and larger percentage now goes toward family homes at $300,000. It noted notion of defunding the police in a construed as an advance — the team utterly without merit.” multi-unit developments, so the that while 99 percent of the homes virtual forum with the City Club of is owed this money, per the lease — “We are immensely proud of our total value of abated properties has sold in Cleveland in 2017 and 2018 Cleveland’s Dan Moulthrop last week. and that the sports facility reserve extensive track record building remained roughly constant. were for less than $300,000, fully Photo by Sam Allard Reed was the latest in a series of was separate from the county’s a vibrant real estate portfolio in The study was initially undertaken 23 percent of the abated homes City Club guests whose 2021 mayoral general fund. Cleveland,” Schochet said in a out of desire to create a long-term were. “Setting a cap at this level aspirations are something of an open Councilman Michael Gallagher statement, “and we will not let a equitable housing plan in the city will primarily impact households for secret. nevertheless took issue with a frivolous lawsuit tarnish our hard- and was rooted in hard data. It whom the abatement may not be the Now working on minority voter number of the “repairs” in question. earned reputation or distract us was accelerated by city residents’ deciding factor in their purchasing engagement for Ohio Sec. of State The lease stipulates that the county from our mission to continue to fears of displacement, particularly decisions,” the report said. Frank LaRose, Reed has been pays for capital expenditures over serve the interests of the Cleveland in neighborhoods where waves of For multi-family developments, largely out of the local headlines for $500,000, but “improvements” are community.” -Allard new construction have increased the report suggested a “but-for” the past four years. His comments supposed to be covered by the team. home prices and the tax burden on requirement for projects valued at to Moulthrop — about public Why on earth should taxpayers be longtime homeowners. over $5 million, which would provide safety, economic development, and responsible for an expanded player Tax Abatement Study Shows In spite of these fears, the report an abatement only if the project government accountability — were parking lot, he wondered. Was this Inequity is Increasing, More found only limited evidence that could not be pursued without the city in many cases versions of the same just so the players could park larger Development Tools Necessary tax abatements lead to residential subsidy. slogans he used on the campaign trail cars? displacement, and only in two But the policy suggestion with in 2017. His “nothing stops a bullet “Hopefully in the future we The City of Cleveland should percent of the city’s neighborhood the most interest from council like a job” message was perhaps the not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” he said he would run for Mayor but gave a Mortgage FieldHouse and leases sharpen the pencil on this lease,” continue to use its residential tax blocks. (Those blocks, predictably, was not directly related to the most memorable and resonant of — and operate it as a public utility. stronger indication than prior City them to the pro teams, the public is Gallagher said, “because it is without abatement program as a development are in the same “high price, abatements themselves. It was a that race, which he ultimately lost to He said the first thing he would Club guests. He said he was “leaning on the hook for all capital repairs question tilting one way [against tool, a team of consultants and high pressure” areas where the cap on property tax increases for incumbent Frank Jackson in a runoff. do as mayor would be to appoint a towards” running and admitted exceeding $500,000. the interests of county taxpayers].” local nonprofit professionals told abatements have been most highly longtime homeowners. Councilmen Reed was omnipresent on social “Poverty Czar” and work to improve that he would like the job, but said it Ordinarily, the reimbursement -Allard City Council recently. But if it’s the Kevin Conwell, Blaine Griffin, media and in the streets in 2017, Cleveland’s standings on nationwide would be up to the voters to decide. for these projects would come from only tool in the city’s development Basheer Jones, Kerry McCormack constantly citing statistics and news poverty rankings. He said poverty In 2017, during the controversial the county Sin Tax on alcohol and toolbox, existing inequities could be and others all said they’d heard from reports about gun violence. His was the “number one problem” in Q Deal negotiations, a “Downtown cigarettes. But projected Sin Tax FBI Raided Properties Connected exacerbated. constituents about rising tax bills solution at the time was to increase Cleveland, in part because its effects vs. the Neighborhoods” debate was revenues for the duration of its to Ukrainian Oligarchs Researchers from Reinvestment DIGIT WIDGET stemming from last year’s Cuyahoga the number of police officers in lead to so many other social ills: low the dominant campaign narrative. extended life (until 2034) is virtually Fund, Public Financial Management, County home valuations. Cleveland. He wanted to bulk up the educational attainment and violence, In 2021, views on public safety and all accounted for, and new revenue The FBI last week raided the Greater Ohio Policy Center, Local State Sen. Sandra Williams force by at least 400 officers. That’s a in particular. racial justice may take center stage. is trickling in at a slower pace due offices of Optima Management Neighborhood Connections and $43.25 million has an active bill seeking a statewide belief Reed says he no longer holds. Reed was asked to describe -Sam Allard to the coronavirus, according to Group, a Cleveland and Miami- Leverage Point Development, in Dan Gilbert’s estimated personal cap, and council members voiced He told Moulthrop Wednesday that how his administration would be Gateway Chair Ken Silliman and based real estate company under the consultation with the city’s office of wealth, after the Initial Public their support for mechanisms of that he has changed his mind because different from Frank Jackson’s. He county fiscal officials. direction of Ukrainian oligarchs. community development, published a Offering of Rocket Cos. corporate kind which would protect existing the status quo has not worked. stressed, above all, transparency County to Tap Q Deal Reserves to Silliman noted that the reserve FBI officials would provide no detailed report in July on the city›s stock last week. homeowners while not discouraging Cleveland is now on pace for its ninth and accountability. As in 2017, Reed Reimburse Indians for Club Lounge, fund created during the Q Deal — comment on their investigation and tax abatement program. Since new development. A tax cap was not consecutive year of 100+ homicides, said that he would open City Hall on Parking Lot, Escalators which was part of the $70 million activities, but confirmed that agents 2004, Cleveland has provided 15- included in the list of the report’s he said, and new strategies for public Saturdays and have regular Town bond issue in 2017 — was intended carried out a search warrant at One year 100-percent tax abatements $43.25 million official recommendations in part safety need to be explored. Halls in Cleveland neighborhoods, to give the county a “head start” Cleveland Center, the skyscraper on newly constructed home and Cost of two Palm Beach, because property tax policy is set by And yet, he said defunding the in general making himself much Cuyahoga County Council voted in forthcoming lease negotiations on the corner of E. 9th Street and residential developments, and similar Fla., mansions that Gilbert’s the state. police was not the appropriate more available to members of the last week to reimburse the Cleveland with the Indians. There is an Superior Avenue which Optima owns abatements on the increased value of Detroit-based Golden Crate LLC Councilman Kerry McCormack, response. He agreed in principle public. He said that City Hall needs Indians roughly $3.5 million for unquestioned assumption that the and operates out of, last Tuesday. renovated homes. purchased on consecutive days who represents most of the “high that more money should be given a “complete overhaul,” not only in its repairs and renovations from a pot of public will have to pony up in a big Agents were also confirmed to be The report recommended a last week. price, high pressure” neighborhoods to neighborhood organizations use of 21st century technologies but money created during the Q Deal. way to keep the baseball team when executing warrants in Miami. And number of policy interventions identified in the report, stressed and rejected the wisdom of federal in its treatment of residents. The taxpayer money will cover their lease expires in 2023. The Cavs’ while the FBI would not explicitly to ensure that neighborhoods that Wednesday’s hearing was only resources being used in Cleveland “I use a restaurant analogy,” Reed the costs of projects at Progressive bilking of the public for its arena confirm that the searches were like Tremont, Ohio City, Detroit- 77 a piece of a larger conversation as as part of the so-called Operation said. “When you go into a restaurant, Field largely completed in 2018 and upgrades, and the acquiescence of related to the so-called “Optima Shoreway and University Circle don’t School districts in Ohio that use City Hall develops what he called a LeGend, but said that instead of they hand you a menu. And the first 2019, including escalator repairs local elected leaders, guaranteed that Schemes,” a massive alleged money continue to see the lion’s share of Native American team names and “robust” housing policy. He said he defunding the police, Cleveland thing they say to you is, ‘What would and preventative maintenance, the the Indians and Browns will expect laundering scheme emanating from new investment. Though abatements mascots, (by our count). hoped council wouldn’t “punt” the should focus on better training you like?’ And what happens after expansion of the player parking lot, commensurate handouts, even as the a Ukrainian bank that made two were previously spread out across recommendations of the report. and recruitment. He still faithfully you order? The waiter comes back renovations in the Club Lounge, public becomes less and less capable Ukrainian oligarchs the largest the city’s neighborhoods, in recent “My residents and I are ready adheres to a “Good Cop-Bad Cop” and asks you, ‘How was your meal? renovations to the suites, and other of paying. owners of commercial real estate years they have been increasingly 13 to move forward with these mentality in which a “few bad apples” Is there anything else you’d like?’ work. The sports facility reserve in downtown Cleveland, it almost concentrated in “trendy” areas. School districts that are recommendations, not in 2-5 years, shouldn’t be allowed to spoil the We don’t do that. What politicians do Per the conditions of the Indians fund currently has a balance of certainly was. “Given the cost of construction, reportedly considering changing but today,” he said. -Allard barrel. nowadays in our community is come lease agreement with Gateway $5.7 million. The current Indians’ Miami is the home base of the a tax abatement alone is not their names, per a Columbus Like other presumed candidates, in and tell you what you want, what Economic Development Corporation, reimbursement will reduce it $2.2 oligarchs’ men in the United States: going to spur investment beyond Dispatch analysis, including [email protected] Reed said he wants to make free they’re going to do.” the nonprofit entity that owns million. Mordechai “Motti” Korf, his brother- these hot neighborhoods,” said Cuyahoga Heights and Parma. internet a priority — “The internet is Reed did not confirm directly that Progressive Field and the Rocket Silliman said the Indians in-law Chaim Schochet, and Uriel Community Development Director @clevelandscene 6 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 7 was out smoking weed, drinking While all worship Chris Hansen of strikes from YouTube; three, and his doing here, bro?” Bee shouts in a every night, not taking life seriously. To Catch A Predator fame as their channel will be expelled). He’s also deeper voice. “You know I’m fifteen, FEATURE And then I had a family, and things turtlenecked lodestar, each group received cease and desist letters for right?” Adam scowls, aware he’s been changed.” Joshua had been attending reps an individual style and tone “online impersonation” — four times busted. He throws up the hood on Terra State Community College when it comes to roping in perverted by the same predator’s lawyer — and his windbreaker to hide his face and with aspirations to be an educator men. Anxiety War, run by computer had his life threatened on several walks coolly to the exit. As he does, THE RISE OF THE CREEP PATROL and working part-time as a security programmer Zach Sweers out of occasions. It’s why, like most catchers Bee screams to shoppers in the aisle, guard, but DAP provided him the Michigan, is laced with pro-style learn, Rosen forces partners to sign “Watch out, everyone! He’s here to Armed with cell phones, not badges, amateur predator catcher groups are sprouting up potential status of folk hero. It was a jump cuts and Gen Z-styled comedic a liability waiver (“They could get meet a 15-year-old boy!” across Northeast Ohio golden opportunity, Joshua says, “to zingers. Cassady Campbell, an actor shot”) and keeps a Houston-based Months later, on March 4, the change the legacy of my last name.” in Dallas, often approaches his lawyer on retainer. But he doesn’t local school district where “Adam” By Mark Oprea Their only problem, besides subjects in character as a hot-headed, stress too much: Seven Poacher worked announced that they were the fact that DAP produces little cowboy hat-wearing patriot, or, when affiliates — down from fourteen putting him on administrative TODAY IS CATCH day at the Mundy revenue, was that law enforcement teamed up with Alex Rosen, as a duo before Covid — are continuing leave and removing him from his household. wanted them to stop what they of “wangster” security guards. to build and amplify his virtual classroom after officials saw the Joshua Mundy, his wife Miranda were doing. On January 23, Chief There’s also the Langley Creep footprint with hundreds of thousands video posted on Bee’s YouTube and his childhood friend Jay Dean Bliss of the Fremont Police Catchers, the Predator Snatchers, the of devoted viewers. “People just like channel. The Stow police responded Carnicom are hunched over their Department officially denounced the Predator Patrol and the Oklahoma seeing scumbags exposed,” he says. by saying they would investigate the smartphones around a kitchen table YouTube-style outing of predators. Predator Prevention. Some post “It’s just human nature.” incident as a criminal act. in Fremont, their pitbull Hopper The Fremont News Messenger self-shot comedy sketches or gaming It was Predator Poachers’ videos For Bee, the path from initial balled up and antsy beside them. hastily dubbed the crew “unlawful vlogs to boost subscribers; others sell that encouraged Bee, of Keen.n.Zerk, contact to investigation was The Mundy’s three kids are at vigilantes” — “Painting us as more branded T-shirts or stickers on their to start his own effort based in his anything but light YouTube school for the day. A sheet pizza is Punisher than Spiderman,” Mundy merchandise page. Some videos are hometown of Akron. After one of entertainment. Up until March, on its way. Miranda’s phone dings jokes. Citing Ohio’s Importuning amateurish and highly unedited, with Bee’s best friends admitted that he endured months of repeated with regularity, breaking up the Statute, Bliss made very clear that, long interludes and cameramen heard a 35-year-old molested him when verbal harassment from “Adam,” silence of a seemingly routine Friday according to state law, the only giggling in the background, as if this he was 15, Bee decided to pivot a who threatened Bee with legal afternoon in February. persons that could legally arrest is amateur Jackass, not an earnest YouTube channel he ran with a high repercussions and physical violence “Got one,” Miranda says when and prosecute creeps pursuing digital prevention of child rape. school friend named Austin from if he didn’t delete the sting. another text arrives. underaged sex are members of (Lawsuits are rare, but two groups She’s talking to Jake. He’s a the force — not a duo of iPhone- “ There are times when I have to put my nationwide have faced defamation married man with step-children who wielding “vigilantes.” “Believe me, I and privacy suits for their actions.) lives in a nearby well-to-do suburb. want these people prosecuted to the phone down. Then I think, ‘What if they’re “He was gonna ‘visit’ mine He says he’s in his mid-20s. And he fullest extent of the law,” Bliss said, trying to meet up with my daughter? My and Austin’s homes,” Bee told thinks, at this moment, that he’s got flanked by the Sheriff and County me. “Whatever that meant.” For a pretty good shot of getting fellatio Prosecutor. “However, I want the nephew?’ That’s how I look at it. ‘Dude, months before he posted the video, from a middle-schooler. investigations to be done correctly.” I got to do this.’” Bee endured a tortuous cycle of “He said he wants to pick me up!” DAP at the Mundy’s household in Fremont. | MARK OPREA DAP set up a meeting with Bliss, indecision, fueled by “Adam’s” Miranda exclaims at the head of the Captain Ty Conger and Detective threats. Near the end of February, table. Jason Kiddey to ease tensions “The big part of making these comedy to predator catching. “We Bee gave up. The public had to see Joshua hunches over her. “Just say, “In my town, kids are getting a parent of three, Jay saw eye-to-eye “So, why are you here to meet a between the two sparring parties. videos is making them entertaining,” were thinking, ‘This is what we “Adam’s” freakish texts, he decided. ‘Come meet me.’ Say, ‘No big deal.’” sexually molested all the time,” immediately. 14-year-old boy?” And minutes later, The authorities gave them honest Rosen, a recent college dropout could do to make up for my friend.’ I In a later reposting of the video, “He said he can’t do that.” Joshua Mundy, DAP’s tall and burly “We were at first like, ‘Dang, shouting in the Walmart parking lot, warnings and obvious reasons to and part-time delivery driver, told mean, we had to do something.” Bee included an emotional prelude, “He’s gonna come. He’s invested de facto leader, told me in February. POPSquad has like 160 videos so far, “Stay the fuck out of my town, you quit: they could get hurt on a catch, me. “Like, ‘What’s Alex gonna say Around mid-December, about two summarizing months of stress on by now.” “Most precincts don’t have the budget I wonder how many guys we could fucking pervert!” or encourage violating pedophiles to next?’ It sucks that they have to be weeks before Christmas, Bee and him and his family. Rewatching Miranda’s fingers move rapidly for the task force. I just wanted a catch around here?’” Carnicom, an Shortly after the video hit skip town. And then, Bliss reminded entertainment — but we have to get Austin began the usual process, it now, viewers could be left with as she types. She stands up. “Okay! better preventative force. So I made Army vet born and raised in Fremont, YouTube, DAP quickly blew up in them, this was just the law — views.” starting with a Grindr account both anger and confusion: Summit Okay! He said he’s on his way!” one myself.” says. “We made an account saying we Fremont, a farming town of roughly nothing personal. “But that’s why I Other than POPSquad in New with Bee’s picture (“I’m 19, but I County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan This is a weekly scene for Though Mundy posted his first were 14. Thirty seconds later, we had 31,000. Joshua appeared in a local want to do this,” Joshua said to the Jersey, run by 32-year-old Shane look 15,” he says). In minutes, a Walsh declined to charge “Adam” Dads Against Predators, a trio of sting in January — a catch that three guys saying they wanted to news broadcast reaffirming DAP’s officers. “I want those laws to get Erdmann, Rosen’s Predator Poachers 49-year-old man named “Adam” hit with any wrongdoing, citing twentysomething do-it-yourself led to the arrest of a 39-year-old meet up right away. It was just wild.” mission, as he was flooded with changed.” may be one of the most successful up Bee looking to meet Bee and “his limitations of Ohio’s Importuning predator catchers based in Sandusky for a visa violation — the roots of Their first sting, in January, back-pats by parents and concerned and more controversial options in the brother.” “You gonna suck my dick Statute. County. Refusing to rely on the DAP stem back to an attempted was fraught with unknowns: Who residents, soon to be followed with The first thing the novice learns sphere. After Rosen’s younger brother tonight,” “Adam” messaged. “I’ll do “It still boils my blood,” Bee says. efforts of local law enforcement — kidnapping at Hayes Elementary should hold the camera? Who should death threats from those who felt about predator hunters is that the was sexually extorted by a man on whatever you wanna do hahaha,” “It’s clear as day! You can see the namely, the Fremont Police — DAP School in 2018, where one of be interrogating? They followed differently about the enterprise. But vast majority of them utterly despise Instagram, Alex started the Predator responded Bee. “What about a tension right there on camera. And define themselves as a citizen-run, Mundy’s daughters attends. For protocol subconsciously emulated on Facebook, where DAP posts its the term vigilante. Most told me Poachers in early 2019 (it now has threesome,” “Adam” said. “I’m sure in the end, very few people know the anti-predator Guardian Angels outfit years, Joshua said, he had been from other channels: Master tween- videos to a public group, residents they just prefer “informed citizen” over 160,000 subscribers) to expose he’ll be down,” Bee said. feeling of what it’s like to stand right unique to the social media age. passively witnessing a string of like language on Whisper, schedule generally expressed collective praise, or simply “predator catcher,” if any Houston-area creeps. Since last March, They would meet in the bicycle next to a predator. If only they knew.” Instead of SWAT-led sting operations similar incidents, mostly involving meets at Walmarts or Family along with shock. “They’re an descriptor is needed. “I literally just he has accumulated over 120 catches, section of the Walmart, as Bee a lá Dateline, DAP battles probable older men, and wondered if Fremont Dollars, film the suspect, keep an inspiration,” one comment read. “I yell in someone’s face and make them from youth ministers to out-of-state suggested, where they had hid a “He said he’s going to be in a black sex offenses through means closer police were responding sufficiently, eye on their hands, shout out their never would’ve guessed Sandusky feel shitty,” Alex Rosen, the 20-year- high school teachers to 76-year-old camera on a nearby shelf. In the Nissan SUV.” in theory to mob rule: Entice would- if at all. Then, a man was caught license plate before they peel off. County had a big problem with old founder of Predator Poachers stay-at-home retirees and married video it captured, a white-haired, “Tell him to come inside.” be pedophiles on Grindr or Whisper outside Hayes in an apparent At nine in the morning on predators.” “I am a mother of 6 in Houston, Texas, told me over the sex-offender duos. “Scumbags,” he bespectacled “Adam” — really an “I just did.” into a public meetup, confront them attempted kidnapping. (Fremont January 25, the two drove to a girls,” added another. “I wish law phone in February. “I mean, we’re not explains. “All of them.” Akron-area teacher — strides up It’s 1:45 p.m., and DAP and I are with camera phones rolling, and then Police told me the kidnapping was nearby Walmart on Route 53 to meet enforcement would step up and do breaking the law to enforce the law.” Like several of his imitators, Alex to Bee, hands pocketed. “Are you careening to the back of a Family shame them with a YouTube post. a “misunderstanding.”) Regardless, their man, Rafael, in the video game something as well.” Then, there’s the medium. What has worked to find the appropriate the guy? Adam?” Bee says, visibly Dollar on State St. in Fremont in In Northeast Ohio and across the Joshua snapped. He called up his section, a plan the two finalized not The reaction was a welcomed all DIY predator hunters can agree balance along the spectrum of public anxious. “Do you wanna head order to finally confront Jake. By country, self-styled predator catcher longtime friend Jay and pitched even an hour before. “Oh my god wave of affirmation for Mundy and on is that views are king and servant and Gen Z entertainer. outside?” Adam whispers. “So, now, Jake has called decoy Miranda groups have drawn big audiences him on a video series similar to that’s him, bro,” Jay can be heard Carnicom, a pair of self-proclaimed currency of their art, and that the In several of his videos, Alex — a what do you wanna do?” Bee, says, 14 times pining for midday phone on YouTube (DAP’s videos have Predator Poachers or POPSquad, whispering in the video, as the two do-nothings from broken homes groups earning them have increased 6-foot-4 former football star — seems rubbing his chin. sex and begging Miranda to “skip collected more than 800,000 views), two widely popular predator-hunting approach watchfully. Joshua’s hands who saw predator catching as a exponentially in the past few years to instigate fights, or use excessive Twenty seconds later, Bee’s school.” We separate into teams of the support of the public, and the YouTube channels with a track shake, his deep voice quivers as he redemption turn. “I thought I was (NBC found more than 30 exist profanity and derogatory terms. crew rushes “Adam,” sticking their two, pretending to peruse the aisles. frustration of the authorities. record of hundreds of catches. Also says to a deer-in-headlights Rafael, going to be a bum,” Mundy says. “I across 23 U.S. states, as of 2019). (Excessively enough to earn him two phones in his face. “What are you Jay and I take our positions near 8 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 9 of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against something is going to happen.” what he perceives to be the inaction Children Task Force, says. “Sure, “They told us, ‘Oh, we camp out at of the Fremont Police. By now, their FEATURE they expose the problem. But it’s bars with binoculars.’ We do this. We Facebook group has passed 8,000 us who are going out and actually do that,” Joshua says. members, the YouTube page 10,000. doing the arrest.” “And you’re telling me you don’t There’s now a DAP men’s softball the dairy coolers, hiding as if we’re If you’ve read about predator have the budget to do stings on an team, sprint cars boasting DAP plainclothes SWAT in grey hoodies. takedowns in the news, it’s likely iPhone?” Jays adds. logos on the Fremont Speedway. “It’s always nerve wracking,” Jay the Task Force is behind them. In “You would think they have — Days after the rally announcement, says. “Like someone’s waiting outside, December, they orchestrated the like training. ‘We have quarterly Joshua’s contacted by Chief Bliss and and you’re about to fight them.” sting that busted Robert McWilliams, training. What’s going on? What’s Mayor Danny Sanchez, who ask DAP Before the Family Dollar, we talk the Strongsville priest who was the new thing?’” to call off the rally in light of new about the souring mental effects of sexually extorting teenage boys “But they’re still probably out developments. A month later, on July constant predator chasing, about the for sex and graphic selfies. Last there,” Jay says, “just writing tickets.” 13, the Fremont Police announced endless chain of farmers, teachers, spring, Sullivan helped craft a Triple news: Ten predators were convicted Marines, basketball coaches and Play All-Star weekend, in which A little less than two days after on fifth-degree felony charges after driving instructors who think a coalition of 150 took down 28 Jake started texting and calling, a massive county-wide sting. One of that soliciting a 13-year-old for sex predators in Newburgh Heights in Joshua, Jay and I drive to a them, ironically enough, DAP filmed is, well, permissible. (Forty men just four days — all under the same McDonald’s close by the Mundy’s back in February. contacted DAP’s decoy with lewd Importuning Statute. Sullivan helped home to finally meet him. An hour “It’s still one of our proudest messages in about a 20-hour period). convict 130 sex offenders last year, before our arrival, Joshua, instead of achievements,” Joshua says. “There are times when I have with offenders coming from nearly Miranda, had answered Jake’s call Back at the McDonald’s where we to put my phone down,” Jay told every Ohio county, all of whom and told him the situation. “Hi, Jake. met Jake, Joshua cautiously escorts me. “Then I think, ‘What if they’re will serve, on average, two to four This is Dads Against Predators, and the 25-year-old out to his Nissan trying to meet up with my daughter? years behind bars. “And they’ll be we want to let you know we have repeatedly explaining, “This is so My nephew?’ That’s how I look at it. registered as tier offenders,” Sullivan alllll your texts and phone calls.” you don’t do anything stupid.” Jay ‘Dude, I got to do this.’ ” adds, “for life.” After shock and hesitation, Jake and I wait silently in Jay’s minivan, At the Family Dollar, we convene Thus, the legal statute puts agreed to meet with us to supposedly which is messy with child car in front of the coolers, slouched over an operation like DAP into a clear the record. (What he doesn’t seats and a scattering of toys. We Miranda’s phone on speaker mode. neverending dilemma: Is the public know is that all his chat logs will all wonder for a moment what will Jake’s calling. Joshua is red-faced as shaming equal to due process of be posted on DAP’s Youtube channel happen to Jake, whether his life will he makes silent directions. “Hiiii,” law? All of the predator catchers I despite any confession.) be changed for the better, or if it Miranda coos, in her girly decoy spoke with laughed at the premise Around four o’clock, a could suddenly spiral into self-harm. tone. “Come outside,” Jake orders. that they should just back down — bespectacled white guy with a wrap- “I can allow myself to have “There could be someone else [with there was little or no due process around hipster beard walks inside sympathy, and I can not allow you].” “Whatttt?” Miranda says. where they’re from, they argued. and sits timidly across from the myself,” Joshua says. “I guess I do “You’re really going to leave me “And when’s the last time you’ve three of us. He’s real, that guy who believe in second chances.” stranded?” Jake then says, pissed off, actually looked at the sex offender wanted to fuck a middle schooler. And what if Jake ends up ending “I told you that I wasn’t going in.” database?” Rosen retorts. “Yeah, “So, why are we here, Jake?” his life? Jake hangs up, so Joshua leads a probably never.” Joshua begins, his phone out and It’s a fair question, both men spontaneous rush to the Family Dollar Sullivan begs to disagree. The recording. Joshua’s legs shake; his admit. And they’d have to face it entrance. “Fuckin’ A,” he grunts, as physical risks to both catcher and forehead beads with sweat. soon enough. he readies his phone’s video camera, catchee are not worth the digital “We’re here,” Jake says, “because A few weeks after Jake’s video was bolting to the parking lot. Joshua is exposure. Neither is spoon-feeding I’m an idiot.” posted on DAP’s Youtube channel, panting, filming every car in sight. predators your entire gameplan. For twenty minutes, Jake tries Joshua called me panicking. The We all convene. It’s more than obvious “To me it’s just a lot of boasting and to justify his messages on Whisper day before, he did a catch with a by now that Jake isn’t here. bragging,” Sullivan says about the by detailing a quarter-life crisis: his man who was a well-known driving “I can’t believe it,” Joshua says. channels. “It’s about YouTube fame wife, now ex-wife, is in the midst of instructor in the Fremont area. The “He punked out.” and notoriety. If it were me, and I leaving him; he’s spiraled into a state catch was surprisingly quick: He was a parent, I personally would of drunken catatonia; he’s lonely, and was waiting in his car outside Jay’s In terms of the criminally prosecuted want this left up to the police.” it’s affecting his work. Joshua plays old house — waiting for sex with a predator, the kind you see darting Sitting around the Mundy’s therapist, offering to assist Jake in 14-year-old — when Joshua rushed out of kitchen stings led by Chris kitchen table, I bring up this notion “getting help,” which he admits he’s him with his camera on. The man Hansen, most if not all are caught of law versus vigilantism, and already looked into. But the absurdity sped off. “He told me, ‘I’ll be dead in in Ohio with the assistance of the conversation quickly turns to underlining the rendezvous is always the morning,’” Joshua said. The next operations bankrolled by the U.S. superheroes and morality. Joshua present. “Let’s not do the drinking, day, Joshua received a frantic call Department of Justice. Rather than says he sees himself in the famous let’s not do the divorce,” Joshua quips. from the Fremont Police: The man a team of three, their squads — from Spiderman quote — “With great “I mean, you wanted to have phone had hung himself in his living room. 24-hour-operating decoys to SWAT power comes great responsibility” — sex an hour ago.” For days, Joshua wavered between members and vest-wearing sergeants along with the David Hume is-ought Behind his frames, Jake’s eyes are guilt and apathy, wondering how the — run way past 100 in numbers. principle, that what one should do finally watering. Maybe he’s come to man’s suicide factored into his moral While DAP’s operations are virtually in their life, one ought to do no terms with what he’s done, maybe compass. Seeing the public praise costless, save for the time it takes to matter the repercussion. (Like being he hasn’t? But nevertheless, he’s on Facebook solidified his initial set up a sting, a state-led task force’s banned for life from Walmart, as he facing a very real and very public reaction.. individual takedown cost can run is, “everywhere from Iraq to Italy.”) reckoning. “I guess I just feel like a soldier,” way into the thousands of dollars. As usual, our conversation turns “I guess I just had nothing else Joshua says. “That he was a bad guy After considering the legal quickly back to the police. Chief going on,” he admits, coldly. “I was not on the other team. I mean, think effect of a professional operation, Bliss told Joshua in February he thinking about nobody except myself.” of how many lives he potentially it’s no wonder residual tension “had a plan” developing with Sheriff A few months after our ruined.” exists between both the law and the Chris Hilton, that he was aware of confrontation with Jake, Joshua vigilante. “Our position is that we’re “the problem apps,” yet didn’t go decides in the middle of June to host [email protected] 100 percent against what DAP is into any specific details. “We can an anti-predator march through the t@clevelandscene doing,” Carl Sullivan, the director promise,” he told Joshua, “that center of Fremont, to publicly call out 10 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 11 12 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 13 O O O O BE SURE TO GET YOUR PASSPORT STAMPED O O O O O

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14 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 15 16 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 17 VISIT US DURING

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18 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 19 EAT ISLAND-ISH At UJerk, it’s more American than Jamaican By Douglas Trattner

IT SLAPS YOU LIKE A DOUBLE- overhead wave. No, not the bang of the jerk spice, but rather the electric-orange awning splashed

with the mischievous name UJerk. Photo by Doug Trattner That flag, boldly planted in the heart of downtown, pinpoints the home of Cleveland’s newest Caribbean eatery. Like others popping up, this one streamlines the traditional Jamaican restaurant experience into an efficient fast-casual operation. But unlike many of its brothers and sisters, UJerk takes a more conservative approach to the food. Owners Jon Manning, Jenna Murphy and Jeremiah Perkins describe UJerk as a Jamaican-themed restaurant infused with American- style dining. I’d be inclined to flip that characterization to state that UJerk is an American-style restaurant imbued with a taste of Jamaica. If your sights (and taste buds) are set on bagging one of those ubiquitous Styrofoam containers struggling to bear the weight of slow-braised curry goat or oxtails, you’ll need to recalibrate those receptors. UJerk, which opened in mid-July, delivers its jerk-flavored fare in the form of salads, sliders, sandwiches, jerk-spiced items do have a complex, Root and the Sweet Chili. an option, diners can call ahead to wraps and plates. That “secret captivating flavor profile, but they A cool, crisp and summery order and pay and request curbside recipe” jerk seasoning finds its way lack the trademark punch of scotch baby shrimp and imitation crab pickup. For those who do amble into onto boneless white meat chicken, bonnet peppers. That, of course, is by salad gets a textural boost from the downtown shop, he or she likely boneless dark meat chicken, bone-in design as the owners are seeking to thin-sliced onions, carrots and bell will be greeted with the equivalent dark meat chicken and, you read it attract a broader clientele than just peppers. It all gets bundled up in of a warm, Caribbean hug. These here first, falafel. Other “protein” staffers appear to take island options include tuna salad and hospitality seriously, bellowing shrimp and crab salad. UJERK CARIBBEAN EATERY hearty hellos and heartfelt thanks. In typical plug-and-play style, 850 EUCLID AVE., CLEVELAND The shop is colorful, festive and diners select their preferred meat, 216-675-0022 organized. “Influencers” literally are delivery vehicle and side. One of the UJERKNATION.COM encouraged to snap a selfie in front most popular menu items – and for of the faux living wall of greenery good reason – is the Snack Pack frequent island hoppers. The dish a large flour tortilla and sliced on on their way out. ($10), a trio of sliders that allows that most closely resembles the real the bias. Falafel, tuna salad and The goal, says partner Perkins, is diners to mix and match their deal steel-drum grilled classic is the chopped boneless jerk chicken also to offer a side dish of escapism along fillings. Items like boneless jerk jerk chicken plate ($8/$10), a mess can be ordered as a wrap. Every item with that tasty jerk chicken. chicken, tuna salad and vegan falafel of skin-on, bone-in dark meat that except the aforementioned chicken “When you come in here, you’re land on spongy, eggy slider buns possesses the characteristic earthy, plate costs $10 and includes a side. going to feel like you’re on a beach, with lettuce and tomato or cucumber savory appeal. This chicken also Again, UJerk does things differently, that you’re away for a little bit,” he slices. That falafel proved to be a lacks the sweet chili glaze that seems sidestepping the customary steamed says. surprise hit owing to its airy, herby to land on many of the other menu cabbage, rice and peas or plantains If plans play out as expected, don’t interior and crisp exterior, which choices. A few dashes of the “Hot for a simple salad, lightly breaded be surprised to spot future UJerk is finished with sweet chili glaze. Jamaican” sauce even manages to french fries or coleslaw. shops in Columbus and elsewhere. The “spicy tuna salad” is not too far approximate near-faithful heat levels. On weekends, UJerk trots out the removed from deli-style, save for a Other sauces include a dark, thick Rasta Pasta ($14), an Alfredo-esque [email protected] few errant flakes of red pepper. and smoky-sweet BBQ, a funky-with- pasta topped with jerk chicken. t@dougtrattner As for the main attractions, the a-kick Irie, a peaty, woodsy Reggae While delivery service is not yet 20 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 21 EAT BITES Bourbon Street Barrel Room in Tremont reopens By Douglas Trattner

LIKE MOST RESTAURANTS, Bourbon Street Barrel Room (2393 Professor Ave., 216-298-4400) had been closed since the middle of March. But unlike many of its brethren, it has remained that way. That changed last week, when the popular Tremont eatery reopened its doors one month shy of its sixth birthday. Owner Justin Clemens says that

he and his chef Johnny Schulze Photo courtesy Bourbon Street Barrel Room never really considered switching to take-out business because it to go on the market for $1.2 million. really didn’t make sense given their Opened in December 2016, the business model. popular soul food chain with two “Carryout has never been a huge locations in Chicago featured an all- piece of our business,” Clemens day menu built around waffles. explains. “Our focus has always been As the pandemic has stretched to make sure that the people in the on, restaurants in the Playhouse building have a great experience, so Square District have faced not we didn’t even offer carryout during only the usual restrictions and our weekend dinners and brunches.” downturned demand brought on In May, when the Governor began by the coronavirus but additional loosening restaurant restrictions, stresses with a downtown workforce Clemens says that he held multiple largely now working from home and staff meetings. The consensus, he an empty theater schedule. says, was to “sit it all out together until the end of July. It was tough on the checkbook, but I feel like it was Tabletop Board Game Cafe the human thing to do.” Reopens With Added Safety That same team will band Measures together now. Guests will find most of their favorite Creole and Cajun dishes, like Po’ Boys, red beans and Tabletop Board Game Cafe in Ohio rice, shrimp Creole, seafood gumbo City is reopening with plexiglass and crawfish etouffe – all washed dividers, reduced capacity and a down with rum-laced Hurricanes. reservations-only operation. Clemens says that social “These rules will be enforced distancing will result in a 30-percent by staff and management. We’re loss of seating indoors and out, not taking this stuff seriously because too bad considering. The big anxiety your safety is important to us and

HOME BUYERS!!! comes in the form of the uncertainly our staff’s safety is important to us. FREE MONEY!!! that awaits, he says. We want to thank Cleveland for the DOWN PAYMENT PROGRAM* “The big advantage of being love we’ve been shown over the past BUY YOUR DREAM HOME!!! Plus Get Up To $100k + More* (for new kitchen, new roof, new carpet, appliances, paint, open for six years is that you have five years, allowing us to share in basement waterproofi ng, windows, heating & cooling)* so much historical data that was your fun and games. Tabletop is NEVER EVER EVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY A HOME!!! Great Low Fixed Interest Rates* so accurate; we were dialed in,” he truly a place of joy for us and for When YOUR dreams come true... OUR dreams come true!!! says. “But now, we’re literally back to so many, and we feel lucky for the 440.342.7355 (SELL) square one. We have no idea. That is opportunities we’ve had. We know To Buy...or Sell Call Grizzell really spooky.” there are challenges to being open *Some restrictions will apply *for those who qualify... we consider... right now that other restaurants are Se Habla Espanol GOOD CREDIT • BAD CREDIT • BANKRUPTCY not facing, but we’re doing our best to Chicago’s Home of Chicken and meet the challenge and go above and Waffles Has Closed beyond,” they announced this week. MASSAGE - CERTIFIED In addition to the previously CARING MASSAGE Days & Evenings, weekends. Chicago’s Home of Chicken and mentioned precautions, Tabletop is Warm candlelight atmosphere. Lakewood/West Suburbs Waffles on Prospect Ave. has closed. also sanitizing and quarantining Linda 216-221-5935 The restaurant and building are set games after they are played. 22 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 23 MUSIC C-NOTES Sammy Hagar & the Circle to perform at the Rock Hall on Sept. 18 By Jeff Niesel

SAMMY HAGAR STIRRED bassist Ira Dean will also perform. up a bit of controversy earlier this Sports icons Jim McMahon, Bret year when he talked about the Saberhagen, Larry Johnson and Ray importance of rescuing the economy ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini will make in the wake of the coronavirus guest apperances. pandemic. “We are so thrilled to welcome “We have to save the world and back rock icon and friend Sammy this country from this economic Hagar,” says LOPen founder Phil thing that’s going to kill more Lopez in a statement. “When we people in the long run,” he started LOPen Charity Events told Rolling Stone in an interview back in 2003, my wife Jennifer and that went viral. I never thought it would grow to As if to show he’s not as callous where it is today. The plan was to Sammy Hagar photo courtesy M2M PR & Partnerships as that statement about COVID-19 put on an event the first year and might imply, the Red Rocker and hope we raised some money to his backing band, the Circle, help kids fighting cancer. Today, who canceled a summer tour that we are marking our 18th and would’ve included a stop at Blossom, final year producing the event, have announced that they’ll perform which has grown into an annual a concert to benefit LOPen Charity weekend program featuring some Events and the Mawaka Foundation of the biggest names in music and on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Rock Hall. sports. We are grateful that Akron The concert will raise funds for Children’s Hospital put their trust in “Those of us who were there such energy. There was a moment children and their families fighting us from the beginning, and we hope — from the technical crew and where everything clicked when I cancer in Northeast Ohio as well as this year’s event proves to raise even stagehands to the musicians was producing the ‘Heat Waves’ for MusiCares and local food banks. more money to help kids battling themselves — were excited to be in remix when the atmospheric quality This marks the 18th year for the cancer at the hospital. It’s about the presence of live music again,” of sound began coming together charity event that’s raised over $3 saving lives and providing the best says Terri Pontremoli, the festival’s in a way that produced a powerful million for the hospital and sells out treatment possible for the children. director, in a press release, with synergy.” each year. We also thought that with all the regard to taping performances. Glass Animals lead singer Dave This year’s rendition will other issues going on in this world, “We’re looking forward to sharing Bayley chose MILAN’s remix of the feature limited tickets to allow we would allocate some of this years these performances with the world.” group’s hit single “Heat Waves.” for social distancing, and it’ll be donations to help out MusiCares and In addition to the pre-recorded “It’s great,” he says of her remix. produced according to all COVID-19 local food banks!” sessions, the virtual festival will “It’s quite tropical. I feel like I’m in guidelines. The performance will The weekend includes a sold-out feature live performances by artists Ibiza, probably wearing all white, take place outdoors. The set will celebrity golf tournament. as well as drop-in interviews with my shirt fluttering in the wind.” include music from Hagar’s entire Food, drinks, and live and silent international jazz icons as well as After learning about her finalist career, including Montrose, Van auctions will be part of the musical footage of memorable moments from status earlier this week, MILAN said, Halen, Led Zeppelin. event at the Rock Hall. past Tri-C JazzFests. “Just to have them [Glass Animals] The Ohio Weather Band will To purchase tickets go to The lineup includes more than listen to my music is such a high open the show. The country music mawakafoundation.com or a dozen acts, including the Dan honor and a dream come true!” duo Brother Trouble, and singer- lopenrocks.com. Wilson Trio, Evelyn Wright Quartet, MILAN has worked as a Sammy DeLeon’s Latin Jazz Sextet, musician, sound designer and Vanessa Rubin, Joe Hunter, Hubb’s producer since her high school days Tri-C Adds a Third Night to Groove and more. at Walsh Jesuit in Cuyahoga Falls. Upcoming Virtual JazzFest Trumpeter Dominick Farinacci She currently lives in will co-host the virtual festival with Independence, where her father, Cuyahoga Community College Pontremoli, and he’ll also perform. Gregory P. Kurtz, is the mayor. has just announced that it’s added She released her self-titled debut a third day of music to the virtual in 2016 and has produced two MILAN photo Courtesy MILAN edition of the 41st annual Tri-C Cleveland’s MILAN Named full-length music videos available JazzFest Cleveland slated to take Finalist in International Remix on YouTube. Last year at this time, place later this month. Competition she headlined the Rock Hall’s Originally planned to last for two Wednesday night outdoor concert days, livestreamed performances series. She plans to release a new will now take place from Friday, “Working with [Glass Animals album later this year. Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23. singer] Dave Bayley’s voice had such The free virtual festival will begin at an inspiring effect on me,” says [email protected] 7 each night and run approximately Kurtz in a press release. “It was so t@jniesel 90 minutes. emotionally moving and gave me 24 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 25 SAVAGE LOVE MARRIED PEOPLE By Dan Savage

Hey, Dan: I’m a 38-year-old bi woman Dr. Married during office hours, you who has been sleeping with a married can’t call or text him, and you’re on male coworker for the last eight your own if you have an emergency months. We’re a walking cliché: I’m outside office hours. But agreeing a nurse, he’s a doctor, and one night to his terms at the outset doesn’t he ended up spilling a lot of personal obligate you to stick to his terms information about his marriage forever. Terms can be renegotiated. to me (sexless, non-romantic, she But unless you’re willing to issue an might be a lesbian) before asking if ultimatum, OTHER, Dr. Married has he could kiss me. I declined. Three no incentive to renegotiate the terms months and many text messages of your relationship. later, I met him for drinks. The next Zooming out for a second: I get thing I know, we’re falling in love letters all the time from women and spending as much time together who ask me how to take issue to an as we can manage. Even though he ultimatum without seeming like is married and has kids, this has they’re issuing an ultimatum. I don’t been one of the best relationships of get many letters from men like that my adult life. He loves me in ways for good and not-so-good reasons: I never thought possible. (He even men are socialized to feel entitled savors my COVID-19 curves.) The to what they want, men are praised obvious problem here is that he when they ask for what they want, is married and his wife allegedly and consequently men are likelier to doesn’t know about his unhappiness get what they want. in their marriage. We have to arrange To get what you want, OTHER, our dates around his work schedule you’re gonna have to man up: Feel and his lies to his wife. I find myself entitled, act entitled, make demands. becoming increasingly jealous of the And you gotta be willing to walk. time he spends with his wife and his You have to go in fully prepared to inability to spend more time with use the leverage you actually have me. I want him to confront the issues here — your presence in Dr. Married’s in his marriage, and I want him to life — or nothing will change. His at least attempt being honest with circumstances have required you to her so we can figure out if it’s even live in the shadows if you wanted to possible for us to move forward. see him, and maybe that worked for My question is this: How do I have you once. But it doesn’t work for you this conversation with him without it anymore, and Dr. Married needs to seeming like an ultimatum? I adore understand that if his circumstances him and I don’t think he’s lying to me don’t change — if he doesn’t change about his marriage. But I long to have them — then he’s going to lose you. more freedom in our relationship. I There’s a middle ground between love that I finally found someone who divorce, your preferred circumstance, treats me so well when we’re together, and things staying exactly as they but my heart is breaking because our are. Dr. Married’s wife is surely aware love exists in the shadows. It’s a win/ that her marriage is sexless and non- win for him — he gets his marriage, romantic — assuming he’s told you his kids, his “real life,” and me, too. the truth — and if his wife’s actually But I can’t even text or even call him a lesbian, well, perhaps she’d like the freely, and I certainly couldn’t rely on freedom to date other women, too. (Or him in an emergency. I want this to date them openly, I should say; for work. I don’t necessarily want him to all we know, she’s been getting some get divorced, Dan, as I fear it would pussy on the side herself.) If they cause him to resent me, but that want to stay together for the kids, if would honestly be my preference. they have a constructive, functional, What should I do? low-conflict loving partnership, Outside The Home Exists Romance and it would be possible to daylight What are you willing to settle for, you without anyone having to get OTHER? divorced, maybe you could settle for If you can’t live without Dr. those terms. Married and you can only have him on his terms — terms he set at the [email protected] start, terms designed to keep his t@fakedansavage wife in the dark — then you’ll have to accept his terms. You can only see www.savagelovecast.com 26 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020 27 28 | clevescene.com | August 12-18, 2020