Officials state content creator posing as health inspector is committing crime

DeKalb Public Health officials are warning the public and business owners about a YouTube content creator impersonating a health inspector who recently uploaded a video of himself at a Brookhaven restaurant.

Although the content creator calls himself a comedian and describes his videos as “pranks” and “stunts,” DeKalb Public Health officials stated that any person impersonating an agent of the public health department or of any county health agency could be charged with a misdemeanor crime.

In a video shared by DeKalb Public Health, the content creator, Boku Blackk, can be seen walking into a restaurant, approaching the counter and saying his name is “Agent Blackk” and that he is there for “a routine inspection.”

He then walks into the kitchen area, coolers, and bathrooms in the restaurant while filming. Toward the end of the approximately 12-minute recording, employees ask to see ID and a badge, which the content creator does not provide.

A disclaimer under the video states the content is “for entertainment and educational purposes only,” but officials with DeKalb Public Health said they are taking the video seriously.

“Stunts, such as these, erode the trust of food service establishments and the credibility of legitimate Environmental Health Specialists (health inspectors),” DeKalb Public Health stated, in part.

Officials also said Blackk “has made appearances throughout the metro area, including DeKalb County on Buford Highway,” and that “he has also impersonated an inspector in other states, as seen on his YouTube page, seemingly targeting Asian establishments.”

On his YouTube channel, which has more than 36,400 subscribers, Blackk has responded to news coverage of his videos. “I’m for the people,” he said in one video. “I’m for the community. Neighborhood hero, that’s what I am.”

According to DeKalb County Health officials, an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS):

• Should always have their photo ID with them. If an establishment is not sure if the person is legitimate, call the health department to verify their credentials.
• Should always be professional in both their appearance and actions.
• Never take any money in the field.
• Should never take any free food or drink from the restaurant while conducting an inspection or even when not on the clock.
• Should provide some sort of documentation after any visit whether immediately by email or a physical copy. If it is a routine inspection, a copy of the inspection report should be obtained after being signed. If it is an informal complaint investigation or follow-up inspection, documentation summarizing the visit should be obtained with signatures of the inspector and establishment representative.

For more information, visit dekalbpublichealth.com.