Bobby George, aged 43 and residing in Lakewood near Cleveland, was charged on Friday with attempted murder, four counts of kidnapping, two counts of strangulation, one count of rape, and one count of felony assault, according to documents from Cleveland Municipal Court.
George is a prominent entrepreneur, owning several restaurants including TownHall, REBoL, and Barley House in Cleveland, as well as TownHall and Mandrake Rooftop in the Short North and REBoL in Dublin. He is the founder of Ethos Hospitality Group, a Cleveland-based hospitality and marketing firm, and is the majority shareholder in over 40 companies.
The charges against him were filed following incidents reportedly occurring between November 2023 and July this year. He turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Court reports indicate that George allegedly assaulted a woman, including an incident on November 14, 2023, where he is accused of strangling her and slamming her head to the ground. Other allegations include forcing her out of a car at gunpoint and raping her after she exited the shower.
George’s restaurant portfolio is set for expansion, with plans for a new three-building entertainment complex in the Flats East Bank area of Cleveland, which is expected to commence construction this year.
In addition to his restaurant ventures, George is noted for his majority ownership in multiple businesses and holds a degree in finance and economics from Ohio University. His father, Tony George, is linked to the House Bill 6 scandal involving FirstEnergy, having acted as a mediator in the bribery case that led to the conviction of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder.
The George family is known for their support of Republican candidates, hosting fundraisers and advocating for the reopening of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.