Hayim Nissim Cohen, widely known online as the wholesome and loving “Rabbi Dad” to over 300,000 TikTok followers, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for multiple counts of child sexual abuse.
His carefully crafted internet persona—as a devoted Hasidic father of nine adopted sons—was revealed to be a chilling façade hiding horrific crimes. The disturbing truth came to light after one of his sons made a heartbreaking phone call to a podcast, exposing years of abuse.
This shocking case has left viewers, supporters, and the broader online community stunned by how someone could hide behind social media fame to commit such terrible acts.
The Man Behind the Mask: From “Rabbi” to Registered Offender
Online, Hayim Nissim Cohen presented himself as a Yiddish-speaking Hasidic rabbi from New York, dressed in traditional Jewish attire, complete with payos (side curls).
He shared videos of family dinners, religious traditions, and what seemed like a nurturing household of adopted children. But in reality, his name was Jeffrey Lujan Vejil, and he was born in Odessa, Texas—with no official conversion to Judaism ever confirmed.
Even more disturbing, Cohen was known for faking a serious illness to gain sympathy. In many videos, he appeared in a wheelchair with oxygen tubes, claiming he was terminally ill. But after his 2023 arrest, two hospitals confirmed he had no health issues.
How It All Fell Apart: A Son’s Brave Podcast Call
The turning point in this horrifying story came when Cohen’s 17-year-old adopted son called into a true crime podcast and revealed that he had been sexually abused for years, starting at age 11. His emotional plea not only exposed the abuse but triggered an immediate investigation.
Child Protective Services acted quickly, removing six younger children from Cohen’s home. The public outcry was swift, and the case rapidly gained attention as new details continued to surface.
The Court’s Verdict: No Parole, No Mercy
Cohen pleaded guilty to four counts of child sexual assault and one count of indecency with a child. A Texas judge sentenced him to four 40-year prison terms, all without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 15-year sentence to run concurrently. The ruling ensures that Cohen will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
During the sentencing, the judge openly addressed Cohen:
“You ran an interesting con, sir… You violated all these boys and you’re here today facing justice.”
A Case That Exposes the Dark Side of Social Media
This case is not just about one man’s crimes—it’s also a warning about the power of internet personas. Cohen used his platform to gain public trust, sympathy, and praise. He fooled thousands by building a false image based on religion, family values, and vulnerability.
He even went so far as to give his adopted sons Hebrew names, to support the illusion of a devout Jewish lifestyle. But behind the scenes, the abuse was ongoing and deliberate.