Former Orlando Baking Company CEO charged in Strongsville domestic violence case

STRONGSVILLE – A woman is making serious allegations of domestic violence against another well-known Cleveland businessman.

The mother of two asked News 5 to blur her face. She says she has been living in fear since last summer.

The woman said she was attacked in her own home by the former CEO of the Orlando Baking Company, her then-husband.

John Orlando is accused of domestic violence and violating a restraining order in the Strongsville case.

She sat down with me to share her story publicly for the first time.

“July 8 was one of the worst nights of my adult life,” the woman said.

The woman says it started when she and her then-husband Orlando got into an argument during a night out at a sports bar.

“I confronted him about his infidelity,” the woman said.

The woman says Orlando was kicked out of the bar, she found a ride home, and they did not live together.

“At my house, he was waiting on the terrace without me knowing,” the woman said.

Strongsville police records show that on July 8, 2023, the woman asked Orlando to leave, but the argument between them escalated in the garage, where Orlando hit the woman in the face with a baseball bat.

“He touched my nose. I suffered a broken nose and a concussion,” the woman said.

The woman shared surveillance video from her home with us.

She says it shows Orlando throwing the bat into a neighbor's yard, walking to his car and disappearing.

“It happened very quickly. I just remember being covered in blood, looking up in confusion and seeing him drive away and leave me lying there like I was a piece of trash,” she said.

We obtained bodycam video from the Strongsville Police Department as a result of a public records request.

“Would you mind joining in?” asked an officer.

The bodycam video shows police finding a baseball bat.

“He shouldn’t be here,” the woman told the officer.

The video shows police questioning the woman. She says her son woke up and saw her bleeding.

“We will take pictures, but I don’t want your children to see you like this,” the officer said.

The footage shows police questioning the woman about various surveillance videos in which she was seen with a knife.

The police report states that before the bat attack, she grabbed a knife to flatten Orlando's tires, but then decided against it.

“I have nothing to hide,” the woman told police.

The police report states that the officer later received emails from the woman in which she stated that Orlando would threaten to kill her if she reported the incident.

“I don't trust anyone. I haven't dated anyone because it was very difficult to get used to normal life again,” the woman said.

The woman says she found the courage to come forward and empower others after seeing the domestic violence case against Cleveland restaurant owner Bobby George on the news.

Bail set at $200,000 for Bobby George

George is accused of attempted murder, rape and strangulation.

George and Orlando are represented by the same attorney, Kevin Spellacy.

“I hope they know that they are important and that they mean just as much, even if it is someone who is highly respected or well-known in the community,” the woman said.

We contacted Orlando Baking Company about John Orlando.

When I asked if they were aware of the allegations, a media representative said they could not comment and added that John Orlando had left his position as CEO in December 2023 to pursue another professional opportunity.

The woman says she has nightmares and is in therapy.

“I feel like telling my story was like the last piece of the puzzle for me,” the woman said.

Before today's interview, the woman said she called Strongsville police and asked for extra patrols around her home. News 5 investigators have contacted Orlando and his attorney. Our calls have not been returned.

According to Berea City Court, Orlando pleaded not guilty last year and is scheduled to stand trial next month on charges of domestic violence and violation of a protection order.