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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, August 20, 2015

LV Cop Block Founder Uses Alias, Has Criminal Past

Severin Johnson outside Allentown City Hall
LV Cop Block organizer Severin Freeman told Allentown City council last night that police officers are "out of control," and to prove his point, claimed to be in possession of a police brutality video shot just 20 minutes before the meeting. He claimed it shows about 10 officers rough housing a pregnant woman. "It will be the next viral video," he promised. But a reader alerted me this morning that Freeman has a reason for his animosity towards police. His real name is Severin Johnson, and he has a criminal history. This includes an aggravated assault in which he permanently damaged someone's eye socket, drug sales and even shoplifting. He's been "out of control" himself.

When confronted about why he uses the name Freeman, Johnson responded that "for my families [sic] protection I must not answer that. There is good reason for any discrepancy in my information. I will admit to a number of aliases for my work though." He also told me that all prominent members of Cop Block use the last name Freeman to prevent them from being targeted by police.

When I asked Johnson about his criminal history, he responded with a question. "So a person can not turn their [sic] life around? did I mention I was a church leader before this? "

Like many, Johnson found Jesus in jail.

When I pressed him on the latest video that is supposed to show a pregnant woman being assaulted, Johnson responded with, "I have work to do. videos will post when they post. I am a very busy person. Thank you for your interest in copblock. I suggest you direct any further questions to our NATIONAL site Copblock.org. Have a good day. God bless."

He later added, "You wanna blog about something, how about my charity here? I have made ZERO money on this Allentown reporting." He then added he does not have the video of the pregnant woman being roughed up because the person who took it is fearful of retaliation.

While there is no doubt in my mind that there are instances in which police officers over-react and use excessive force, Johnson is in no position to cast stones.

Updated 1 PM: Johnson comes clean ... at least a little: "I just made a public statement on my page to clear things up. I also spoke with my family and decided to include my real name in my profile along with the surname "freeman" so both are listed. In retrospect I can see how people may think it was deceiving. It truly was not intended to cover anything up."

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yet , O'Hare casts stones all the time...a disbarred alcoholic bum with zero training in any matters law enforcement or law.

His "moral compass" blows in the wind, to whatever direction his agenda is on a particular day. His usual targets of hate are successful business people or elected officials who have made something out of themselves, their lives and their communities.

Cop bashing is one favorite, Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem Mayors is another, "rich white men" another, and lets not forget all the verbal violence directed at women who won't give O'Hare his daily crave of attention.

O'Hare is a failure in life, writing stories for free, out of his 10 x 10 , seething with jealousy and hypocrisy on a daily basis

Bernie O'Hare said...

Mezzacappa, take your drug cocktail.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,

The photo is outside Bethlehem City Hall.

Here is an article to go with your story.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2015/06/bethlehem_man_protests_require.html

Anonymous said...

This is not to mention the that had ties to allentown distribution of dry goods obtained via acting in there official capaCITY for 18 yrs in a nere by city now moving on before the paperwork come to fruitation¿ This is just an one of the kings party favor consessionairs as there are to many campaign contribitors in this multifaceted malfuctional tool cripling the city too mention¿!($

This all as the notorious hamilton street gang o thugs stand in in circle jerk pudd pullin position in the downtown arena ejaculating in there two dementional white

Anonymous said...

And this moron used chalk to deface the sidewalk in front of city hall. That will have to be cleaned off at the city's expense. Next time, he should use spray paint. Oh wait... that is a 1st amendment right to free speech in any form! So why stop him as he tags city property. The guy is a useless jerk with a beef against the cops who have had to detain him more than once. Now he is using the "victim game" like "Black Lives Matter" for fame and fortune. Another parasite in our society.

Anonymous said...

HOLY HELL!!! is @1:08pm drunk already?

Bernie O'Hare said...

I doubt the chalk defaced anything. Calm down. Take another xanax.

Anonymous said...

yeah, this guy doesn't do a whole lot of good. wants to capitalize on the ochse/singer incident. in my eyes he does his cause more harm than good.

Anonymous said...

MezzaWHACKY is back. Whoo-hoo! Must be a day off from work, IF she is working to pay off her debts. Thankfully there is no video to go with her drive by. Thought something stank in here.

She has the gall to claim that Bernie is stalking her, obsessed with her, but the truth is her mind has been consumed by him since he did an investigative piece like this one on her years ago.

Must be horrible to be that twisted in the head. You have to walk east to go west.

Anonymous said...

This guy must have found Jim Gregory in prison. The Jesus manslab is well known as the messiah of the cell block. Many an inmate has fallen to their knees to pray with the apostle of redemption. He has lead many to Jesus. He has turned his life around and is now a man of peace wanting only for there to be more love in the world.

We all anxiously await his return to the Lehigh Valley to lead this heathen Valley to salvation.

Anonymous said...

Why did the city waste time rinsing off the chalk? There was rain in the forecast and my house just received a half inch gully washer. But hey, it's only wasted money in the City Without Limits on its stupidity.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bernie O'Hare said...

If you want to attack a reader, identify yourself.

Severin's Wife said...

I am Severin's wife. I would like to clarify that my husband was NEVER charged with "drug sales" -- he was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in the form of a used marijuana pipe... over 10 years ago. As for the "aggravated assault" -- all charges for that were dropped pre-trial because it was discovered that my husband was defending himself against an aggressor with a long, violent history-- however, yes he was held in jail for 6 months while awaiting that trial which never happened & all charges were dropped with the judge's apology. I am not claiming my husband is a saint in any way & neither does he. My husband helps victims of police brutality get justice and have a voice. I'm not surprised that the media is trying to use his past against him, but he never hid from it nor does it make him harbor "animosity towards police". Severin doesn't hate cops, he just dislikes the ones who abuse their power & don't do their jobs properly. We both feel police should be practicing de-escalation of a situation instead of instantly turning to violence by tackling a 62 yr old man or punching a just turned 18 yr old kid in the face multiple times. On a final note, I'd like to point out that Mr. O'Hare contacted my husband via a Facebook message posing as a friend/supporter to get his "quotes" -- Mr. O'Hare then took Severin's words out of context & twisted them to write this story-- it seems to me that he is using the coattails of my husband's publicity to get blog hits. Shame on him. If anyone else has questions about Severin's "criminal history" feel free to contact him directly, he's very open about it, as Mr. O'Hare can attest to.

Anonymous said...

I have never been manhandled by the police. Never thrown to the ground, never struck, taxed, sprayed with OC, or shot. Then again, I obey the law and treat police officers with respect. I was taught that at an early age.

Thanks again Bernie for shining a light into the darkness.

Anonymous said...

Actually I am sufficiently taxed, I've never been tazed (damn autocorrect).

Anonymous said...

12:38 sounds familiar, Bernie. Does his old anonymous moniker begin with an 'L'?

Anonymous said...

I'm inclined to support Lehigh Valley Rambling,
I'm inclined to support Mr. Severin as well, and I'm prepared to take his wife's comment at face value.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Severin's wife, my purpose in contacting your husband was to confirm (1) that he was using a false name, (2) that he had a criminal record and (3) to find out about the video he described to city council. While I did not quote him in his entirety, I quoted what he had to say about the areas in which I was interested.

As for the exact crimes, he provided a link to a speech he made about it in jail, and in that speech, admitted to drug sales and an assault in which he did permanent damage to someone's eye socket.

People are free to draw their own conclusion about his current agenda.

Severin's Wife said...

So... you actually listened to my husband's sermon on how his life has changed and STILL chose to write this harsh blog about him?! You should listen again... A lot of people stood for peace and Christ that day. Maybe you could learn a few moral lessons from my "criminal" husband.

As for the "false name" -- it is not a fake identity. It's his legitimate pen name for Copblock purposes. You don't see authors or singers being criticized for using a stage name, so why attack Severin for it? Let's also address something else: If you were a more thorough investigator, you would have also discovered his alias/pen name is GABRIEL FREEMAN-- not SEVERIN. So, why would my husband have business cards, a Facebook profile, and every other thing listed as "Severin" if he was hiding?

It would be quite easy to "hide" under the name Gabriel, but he does not hide his past. Using "Freeman" as his surname is his way of merging the two together.

PROOF: http://www.copblock.org/?s=gabriel+freeman

Anonymous said...

@8:02 Severin's Wife, please contact Jim Gregory inmate LE1514 at SCI Pittsburgh to discuss options for dealing with the misinformation being propagated by the sadistic author of this "blog". Jim's career and freedom was taken as the result of such misrepresentations and he has been plotting a return to glory part of that path requires involvement with orgs like the Allentown Copblock headed by your husband.

Jim would be a great addition to the cause as he is a former cop and lifelong martial artist who has also been converting Muslims and atheists to Christianity while incarcerated. To defeat O'Hare we need a conglomerate of individuals of all races and backgrounds, Jim is a handsome articulate man who has experience in radio and PAC formation.

Hans Molander

Bernie O'Hare said...

Severin's wife, of corse I listened to his sermon on the mount, in which he admitted to being s dealer and permanently damaging another person. He identified himself last night as Severin Freeman, not Gabriel. As he indicated last night, he uses several false names, just as Hans Molander does. It's dishonest. He claims it is to protect you, but now he appears to be hiding behind you. I believe he could be trying to hide his criminal past. I believe it also indicates that he has an agenda. I do not defend police brutality, and believe the officer at Shula's used excessive force. But your husband may be misrepresenting the extent of the problem. His presentation last night was fundamentally dishonest. I got his side of the story, and you are free to tell my readers I am wrong. That's ok. I suspect your husband was more interested in seeking attention than in helping people. As his wife, I respect your defense of him, but don't accept it.

Anonymous said...

This pissing contest advances nothing,

Anonymous said...

I enjoy this dialogue. The ET & MC lack this type of interaction. This is yet another great post by Bernie.

Anonymous said...

And on it goes

Anonymous said...

"please contact Jim Gregory inmate LE1514 at SCI Pittsburgh to discuss options for dealing with the misinformation being propagated by the sadistic author of this "blog". Jim's career and freedom was taken..."

Yeah, you're again using your ass for brains, Tricia. You aren't even supposed to be posting here. Jim begged himself into prison, just as you are on the verge of doing. You posted letters of his from prison that will help keep in prison, instead of getting out on parole. Jim's lawyers want nothing to do with his case, which shows he is a lost cause just like you. Drink some swill or hot cocoa, and cry yourself to sleep. Dream about how well the RAV4 you no longer own goes in the snow. Here's a hot tip - John Brown is hiring 16 part time nurses. Cleaning crap off the floor is a perfect job for you.

Anonymous said...

What a pansy. "Honey, they are making fun of me on a local blog. They discovered who I really am, please protect me because nothing I say can be construed as the truth." What a great relationship they must have.

Anonymous said...

what about the Police brutality that was made against three men in your town Bernie? Has anything become of that?

Anonymous said...

What an angel:

https://www.justmugshots.com/pennsylvania/bucks-county/11390183

Bernie O'Hare said...

"what about the Police brutality that was made against three men in your town Bernie? Has anything become of that?"

The civil rights suit is imminent.

Anonymous said...

Jim Gregory is the way and the truth. He will soon return and help all. He ha animosity in his heart. he wants to forgive all those who conspired to put him in prison. He now belongs to God and will spread the good news. His charismatic charm will convert millions.

Severin Freeman said...

my wife posted on her OWN accord. you people need mental help and Jesus. Hate filled trolls is ALL YOU ARE. How many victims do you work with? How much corruption and misconduct do you report on? How many people even care when you talk? silly devils is all you are and what I would have said would have been more biblical than defensive. Lets talk bible. Paul (the most authored and prominent in the bible) had a past of killing Christians and persecuting the poor who could not pay taxes. He found Jesus too. You are the type of people that killed Jesus. Oh and what mr.O'Hare neglected to mention in his mis quotes is that I am NOT making money on this Allentown assault BECAUSE I DECIDED to give all proceeds away to a charity for veterans. yeaaaa but the devil will always bring up someones past to take their future that God has for them! Isaiah 54:17 no weapon that is forged against me shall prosper, and any tongue that rises up against me shall be condemned. Such is the covenant of the servants of the lord and their righteousness is of thee.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

Matthew 7:15-16.

"Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."

2 Corinthians 11:14.

Anonymous said...

Severin....what "proceeds" are you talking about that you donated? You and your group had nothing to do with this video coming to light. A female at the bar released the video which went viral. You and your group's hubris is beginning to show in how proud you are of your claim that you had anything at all to do with this incident. Your group claims on their webpage to have taken the city "to their knees". As far as I've seen...only you and three other people showed up at any of your "protests". I'm sure the city is really shaking in their boots over your group's "power". You are claiming you are making money off of a female's video...please let us in on how this is possible. Can't wait to see you and your other four unemployed friends at your next "rally". Everyone is laughing at you. Too bad you are trying to take the focus away from what really matters to feed your obvious need for notoriety...which, by the way, you are failing at miserably.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I, too, would like to know what proceeds he is talking about. I'd like to know how he raised his money. What is the name is of the veterans' charity to which he contributed? How much?

Anonymous said...

Severin, the path of the righteous man is beset by danger. You should contact Jim Gregory a kindred spirit who has been misunderstood and maligned. He is a man of strong faith who has helped many on the community. He is now working miracles in the sate penal system. He has also been attacked by Mr. O'Hare. Mr. Gregory has forgiven Bernie and will help you follow the light as well.

In the meantime if you wish to dominate your proceeds to a good cause the Unity-Pac is accepting all money from people of good will.

Anonymous said...

WORD!!!

Anonymous said...

Aah, the age of selfies, texting, skyping, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Some just can't seem to get enough attention. I suspect we will be seeing more of the same for years to come.

Anonymous said...

Some people say crime does't pay...neither does copblocking https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/MDJReport.ashx?docketNumber=MJ-03211-LT-0000199-2015

Anonymous said...

Your husband is a lying, story making up idiot.

Anonymous said...

Severin James Johnson, 30, of the first block of First Street, asked Rodger Krisukas, owner of Steckel's Jewlery Store Bangor, 5 Broadway, if he could take a look at two watches in the store on April 25, court records say.

Krisukas placed a $425 Bulova watch and a $100 Pulsar watch on the counter for Johnson, who allegedly grabbed them both and ran out of the store, according to court records.

Is this the cop block guy, there are joking comment on the web about the suspect being 300 pounds. not sure if it's the same or not

Anonymous said...

everin James Johnson, 30, of the first block of First Street, asked Rodger Krisukas, owner of Steckel's, 5 Broadway, if he could take a look at two watches in the store on April 25, court records say.

Krisukas placed a $425 Bulova watch and a $100 Pulsar watch on the counter for Johnson, who allegedly grabbed them both and ran out of the store, according to court records.
is this the same guy, joking accounts discribe him as a 300 pound burglar online?

FranksPlace said...

Funny how all the support posts for this human piece of filth are all ANONYMOUS.. gutless cowards!! LMAO!!

Anonymous said...

Severin's wife. Taking peoples quotes and actions out of context is exactly what Severin does on a regular basis...bahahahahahaha hypocrites...

Anonymous said...

Did you say he defaced the citt hall sidewalk with CHALK? As in, a childs toy. Sidewalk chalk?

Your worst nightmare said...

I know him personally, I hope he sues you for everything you have for slander. This article is nothing more than a fabrication. There's 0 facts!
Sad when losers like you fabricate stories to boost views. What's funny is, my YouTube channel gets more views in an hour than your stories will get in a lifetime.

Domenic Sarno said...

Well our hard working men and women of the Springfield Police Department certainly have encountered people like Mr. Johnson before. Look at our GOOD employees, like Gregg Bigda, Jose Diaz, and Dushaine Goffe.

Anonymous said...

What an absolute piece of trash. Not surprised he couldn't produce that video of the pregnant woman. Nothing better do do than harass cops. If he actually thinks he is helping anyone he is a bigger dumbass than his picture imparts. Anyone who permanately damages someone else's eye socket has no right to judge police brutality. That's literally the definition of Hipocrasy