Secrets in Shawano: Part 3: The Hotel Controversy

Updated: 8:32 PM May 21, 2008

Recently, one of the hotels Avraham Cohen owns is drawing complaints and protests because it's the site of private adult parties hosted by a swingers group called ‘Share Your Secrets’.

Posted: 7:37 PM May 21, 2008
Reporter: Mikel Lauber
Email Address: mlauber@wsaw.com

Secrets in Shawano: Part 3: The Hotel Controversy

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In this series, we’re taking a closer look at the controversy surrounding a group led by Avraham Cohen, formerly known by two other names: Rama Behera, and Samanta Roy.

For more than 30 years, the secrecy surrounding this group has led to much speculation. Some are also concerned about the financial impact on the community; Cohen has invested millions in local businesses, left some buildings vacant, and has fallen behind in taxes and other payments.

Even more recently, one of the hotels he owns is drawing complaints and protests because it's the site of private adult parties hosted by a swingers group called ‘Share Your Secrets’.

NewsChannel 7 was asked to look into these parties at the Shawano Best Western Motel. We captured what was happening at one of their ‘private parties’ on our hidden cameras.

Shawano Police Chief Ed Whealon says, despite the controversy over what many view as immoral, such parties don't necessarily violate any laws. "There is a statute on the books called adultery”, Whealon said. “But to enforce that statute, you have to have a victim or a party to step forward and file a complaint with law enforcement."

However, in each of the last few meetings citations have been issued, including serving alcohol past hours and refusal to allow officers on the premises.

There's no question these parties are causing a stir in the community. And Mike Schuler, Town Chairman in nearby Wescott, says their connection to Avraham Cohen is concerning. "It's very difficult to believe that a person that has a religion, that preaches on weekends and allows his hotel to be used for what it's used for once a month”, said Schuler. “I don't understand."

But Alan Eisenberg, an attorney for Avraham Cohen, says Cohen is not involved. "It's of utterly no significance”, said Eisenberg. “And one thing's for sure: Avraham Cohen has absolutely nothing to do with it. He doesn't even know about it. It has not been discussed with him. I have not spoken to him about it."

Latest Comments

Posted by: Jim Location: Formerly_shawano on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:51 AM

In high school (mid 90s), I watched one of these rama kids, a guy named Kaleb, punch a chick in the face. He totally sucker punched a girl on the basketball court at lunch. Closed fist, and again, it was a cheap, cheap shot. On a girl. These people are disgusting heathens.
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Posted by: The Traveler Location: Shawano on Jul 30, 2008 at 09:55 PM

Anyone who visits Rama's businesses can see that the workers there are doing the best they can. Most of them are polite, friendly and helpful to customers. They keep their workplaces immaculate. The sad and sickening thing is that THEY ARE NOT BEING PAID! And they are working far more than 40 hours per week! However, I believe it is better to work in a gas station, hotel, or gift shop than on Rama's compound doing endless chores such as shoveling dirt, sweeping goose poop from walkways, pulling weeds, standing guard, or whatever other miserable task Rama orders. At least in the businesses, Rama's followers can interact with customers, let some of their own personality out and have some brain stimulation. I have no doubt that many of them want to leave Rama, but they can't bear to leave their children and/or other family behind. There is a high price to pay for leaving, but the desire to be free to live one's life as they choose can make a person willing to pay the price.
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Posted by: to DR Devil crusader Location: LOL on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:28 PM

ok "just don't call me late to the strip club"!!!! hillarious!
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