Abduction hoax: Who is Adam Hoover?

We decided to publish this story because it dealt with a prominent local figure who posted claims in a very public setting. We understand and respect Mr. Hoover's privacy, but we also believe it's important to cover public figures and events that potentially have an impact on public safety resources.

A local gay rights activist has been charged with making false claims after he said he was abducted and put into the trunk of his car after leaving work early Tuesday.

The story attracted national attention from outlets like the Huffington Post, The Washington Times and BuzzFeed.

It begs the question: Who is Adam Hoover?

Hoover is well known throughout the LGBTQ community in Cincinnati and Ohio for his work advocating for gay rights, marriage equality and, most recently, transgender rights.

Hoover started working for Marriage Equality Ohio in 2011 and has done most of the promotion work for the organization since then, according to Nicholas Wymer, the group's founder.

Wymer said in an email Tuesday that could change.

"In light of the recent controversy surrounding him, he is indefinitely suspended from posting on the page," he said.

"While it is our hope that we can work past this issue, we are waiting until the issue settles to make a permanent decision."

Michael Chanak, a local gay rights activist, said he's known Hoover for more than three years.

"He is polite, engaging, a nice guy," Chanak said.

Hoover has helped organize various events throughout Ohio, including a March for Marriage Equality in August that raised $210, according to Marriage Equality Ohio's website. Hoover also helped organize mass weddings, marches, protests and other marriage equality events.

After Leelah Alcorn died, Hoover helped plan a vigil at Kings High School in Deerfield Township, according to an Enquirer report. He also set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for a memorial for Alcorn. The campaign raised $2,210.

Hoover began advocating for gay rights and marriage equality when he was 17, according to Marriage Equality's website.

Since then, Marriage Equality Ohio has gathered the support of 437,000 people on Facebook.