Lawyer for TownHall owner Bobby George threatens to sue Cleveland and questions evidence

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The attorney for a major Cleveland businessman accused of several serious crimes, including rape and attempted murder, has now sent a letter to the city of Cleveland stating that a “lawsuit is to be expected” and demanding that all “appropriate steps” be taken to preserve all evidence.

Attorney Leo Spellacy Jr. of Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan represents Robert (Bobby) George, the owner of TownHall and several other businesses.

George turned himself in on August 13 after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was charged with attempted murder, four counts of kidnapping, two counts of strangulation, aggravated assault and rape.

The five-page letter to Cleveland's Legal Director Mark Griffin was sent on August 19.

According to the arrest warrant, a woman told Cleveland police that the alleged physical and verbal abuse occurred between November 2023 and July 2024.

The arrest warrant lists several violent attacks:

• On November 14, 2023, according to the arrest warrant, George pushed the victim to the ground and placed his hands around her neck, leaving her “unable to breathe or move.”
• In another incident, the arrest warrant stated that George followed the victim to her car, pointed a gun at the car window and forced her to get out of the car.
• Between June 8 and June 10, the warrant states, George shoved a towel down the victim's throat. During this incident, the warrant states, George “placed one or both hands around her throat” and attempted to strangle and suffocate her.
• The arrest warrant also alleges that George raped the victim once as she was coming out of the shower.
• In another alleged attack, George is accused of throwing the victim into a closet as he tried to escape, according to the arrest warrant.

George, 43, is free on $200,000 bail and his case is pending before the Cuyahoga County grand jury.

He was also ordered to hand over his passport and not to have any contact with the victim.

George is involved in several local businesses in the Cleveland and Columbus area, including the following:

• Ethos Hospitality Group
• Restaurants Bobby George
• REBoL
• City hall
• Harry Buffalo
• Green Goat Cafe Bar
• The lost social club
• Barley House
• Wellness area Lyv
• Red space events
• Mandrake – Columbus
• City Hall – Columbus

19 News also reached out to the City of Cleveland, which released the following statement:

You can watch 19 News’ previous interview with George in the video below.