Cleveland Business Owner Bobby George Surrenders to Police Amid Serious Criminal Charges

Bobby George
Image: Smart Business Dealmakers

Bobby George, a well-known entrepreneur and owner of several popular restaurants in Northeast Ohio, turned himself in to authorities on the morning of August 13, 2024, after an arrest warrant was issued against him. George, 43, faces nine felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, kidnapping, felonious assault, and strangulation.

These charges are connected to a series of alleged incidents that took place between November 2023 and July 2024, involving a woman with whom George was reportedly in a relationship.

The first alleged incident occurred on November 14, 2023, when the victim claimed that George violently assaulted her in their shared residence. According to court documents, George pinned the woman to the ground, strangled her, and repeatedly slammed her head into a table, causing severe injuries.

The victim was later diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome by a nurse practitioner employed by George.

In another horrifying episode, which took place between June 8 and June 10, 2024, he is accused of attempting to kill the woman by shoving a towel down her throat as she prayed for her life in a closet. During the attack, George allegedly taunted her, saying, “You think God is going to help you?”

Further allegations include an incident where George reportedly raped the woman after throwing her to the ground and holding her down. The most recent accusation involves George violently throwing the woman into a closet on July 27, 2024, as she attempted to leave their home.

George, who owns several establishments including TownHall, REBoL, and Barley House, has denied all charges through his attorney, Kevin Spellacy. Spellacy has criticized the handling of the case, arguing that George is being unfairly targeted due to his prominence in the Cleveland business community.

He contends that the police did not properly investigate the allegations before pressing charges and is working to have the charges dismissed.

Cleveland Law Director Mark Griffin defended the investigation, stating that it was conducted by the city’s Domestic Violence Unit following standard procedures.

Griffin emphasized that the decision to charge George was based solely on the evidence gathered, and the case will proceed according to the legal process.