HELP SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM BY BECOMING A SUBSCRIBING MEMBER. YOU CAN ALSO MAKE A ONE TIME DONATION HERE.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — REAL News Central Indiana has discovered social media posts and text message conversations showing R Bar located in South Bend, allegedly knowingly hired a convicted sex offender to DJ drag shows at its establishment, including drag shows for children.

This week, RNCI’s sister station, REAL News Michiana featured several stories about a Drag Brunch allowing minors scheduled to be held at R Bar on April 21st. Shortly after, a user on the social media platform “Reddit” made a post about those stories, expressing concern that he/she may be targeted because he/she was previously convicted in a child pornography case. Reddit is a social media platform where people can post about issues anonymously.

“So, as many people know, some political and religious groups have been attacking drag queens, and drag shows for allegedly grooming children.” A Reddit post by a person using the username Visual_Eggplant_6993 reads. “Well, it finally hit the drag bar I DJ at, as we have monthly brunches where we allow minors with parental guidance as they can get kind of PG-13, and as a former PFR, I need some opinions. My name, while no longer on any list, is still very googleable, so do I talk to the owner, and tell her that I think I should opt out for a few weeks, so they don’t have any real ammo to use? Or do I stick it out?”

Another user responded, asking if the owner of the bar knew about the previous conviction.

“Yes, she is aware of my situation as well as the fact that I am no longer forced to register or on any sort of probation/parole.” Visual_Eggplant_6993 wrote back.

A search of Reddit found that the person using the Visual_Eggplant_6993 username is part of a pedophile support group on the social media platform and has been open about his/her sex offenses against children. On a thread about the punishment for being charged with Possession of Child Pornography last year, Visual_Eggplant_6993 wrote the following:

“My charge was in 2011 for 4 courts possession, I pleaded guilty to one count, got 18 months probation and home detention and 10 years on the SOR (sex offender registry). Between the time of the first questioning by police to when I did my guilty plea, it was about a full year, again, this was 12 years ago.”

The user goes on to explain that he still struggles with wanting to download child pornography.

“I’m terrified everyday that I’ll start wanting to download more. It gets bad, and if I get hit again, I’m going to prison for a while, and I can’t handle that. I have an amazing support network, who won’t let me do anything stupid.” Visual_Eggplant_6993 wrote in a sex offender support group thread 12 months ago.

In other posts, the user explains that he lives in South Bend and was taken off of the sex offender registry in 2021.

REAL News Michiana reached out to R Bar for comment and more information about the thread, and never received a response. However, another concerned citizen also reached out to R Bar on Facebook, in which the bar confirmed it had a sex offender working as a DJ in the establishment.

“The owner was told something completely opposite of what is being said! He has since been terminated!!” The R Bar wrote to Rich Penkoski, who operates Official Street Preachers and the Christian Journal, on Facebook Messenger. “We were under the impression he was 19 and boy was 17. He made it seem like it was nothing and charges were dropped.”

Penkoski attempted to get R-Bar to name the DJ. They refused.

“His name is irrelevant and he is no longer any affiliation to R Bar after further findings. I’m sorry you still feel the need to beat me up with your words. We are disgusted with this news!!” R Bar wrote. “I have nothing further to say. I will not let you bring me down with your hateful words. Good day sir.”

R Bar has several DJ’s who have worked at their establishment. Many use stage names. While RNCI believes we may have identified the above mentioned employee, we’re still working to get 100% confirmation on his/her identity.

BACKGROUND ON THE EVENT

The R Bar located on East Mishawaka Avenue is hosting the “Big Hole Drag Brunch” on April 21st. While the R Bar typically only hosts drag events for adults, and hence had never been the subject of an RNM story prior to this week, this show allows children of all ages to attend.

“Picture this: tasty food, mimosas flowing, and dazzling drag queens giving you a show you won’t forget.” A description of the event on the ticket sales website, eventbrite, states. “Minors are allowed, but parental discretion is advised.”

R Bar is owned and operated by Amy Gatchell of South Bend. Gatchell’s social media feeds are full of vulgar and mature content. She posts videos of games at the R Bar in which people use brooms and paper towel rolls to simulate anal sex. Another post on her page is of a sex toy that appeared to be placed in the lights of her establishment.

HOST’S OBSESSION WITH BOYS, TEENS AND SEX

Shane Barrera, who goes by the stage name Miss Moscato, is set to be the main performer and host at R Bar’s drag brunch. Barrera, who is based out of the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, has dozens of pictures and videos of his drag persona on Instagram where he is dancing provocatively with very young looking males in only their underwear. Several of the videos show Barrera mimicking sexual acts. He also frequently references “boys” and “gay teens”, as well as sexual acts such as “bottom boy” in his posts.

Below are two videos of Barrera performing as Miss Moscato. One of the videos shows Barrera and two other performers mimicking sex multiple times. The other shows Barrera dancing with a male stripper who appears to be wearing fishnet underwear with dollar bills tucked into the waistband.

BARRERA BRAGS ABOUT PERFORMING FOR CHILDREN

After RNM’s story earlier this week, highlighting the drag show for children at R-Bar, Barrera reached out to RNM to defend himself.

“As the individual who is hosting this event, and does many other all age, family friendly events. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have… I would like the story to be correct before you promote the events I host.” Barrera stated on Facebook.

RNM responded, asking Barrera if he felt drag shows for kids were appropriate.

“I do think it is appropriate for children to attend drag shows.” Barrera wrote. “(It’s) the responsibility of the parents to understand that sometimes we slip up and a bad word might be said, as to why we say it’s always the parents choice.”

RNM asked if Barrera took cash tips from children. At that point, he stopped responding.

Want to keep seeing the news the legacy media just won’t report? REAL News Central Indiana relies on member subscribers to keep going. Help us continue to expose corruption and report on the news conservatives care about by subscribing here.