TownHall owner Robert George charged with attempted murder and rape

Please note that this story contains mentions of rape and other potentially triggering information. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, support services are available. The National Sexual Assault 24/7 Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.

Robert “Bobby” George, owner of Columbus restaurants TownHall and Mandrake Rooftop, has been charged with attempted murder, rape and various other crimes, according to an arrest warrant issued by Cleveland Municipal Court.

According to the court, George is charged with attempted murder, assault, four counts of kidnapping, one count of rape and two counts of strangulation. Documents. A warrant was issued for George's arrest on Friday, and he appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court for arraignment on Tuesday, where his bail was set at $200,000.

Other news agencies have reported that George turned himself in at his hearing on Tuesday and remains in police custody, but The Lantern is currently working to independently verify those details.

According to the arrest warrant, the victim accused George of committing multiple acts of domestic violence against her between November 2023 and July 2024.

According to the arrest warrant, the victim stated that George threw her to the ground on November 14, 2023, hitting her head.

The arrest warrant states that the victim was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, which according to the Mayo Clinic – after George had her treated by his company nurse.

In another incident within the eight-month period, George allegedly followed the victim to her car, where he pointed a gun at her and ordered her to exit the vehicle. After the victim exited the vehicle, George forced her back into the apartment at gunpoint, according to the warrant.

In early June 2024, according to the arrest warrant, George allegedly stuffed a towel down the victim's throat and then said, “Do you think God is going to help you?” while the victim tried to “pray in the closet that she doesn't die.”

The arrest warrant states that on July 27, George threw the victim into a closet as she attempted to leave the apartment, knocking over items in the closet.

In another incident that occurred sometime between May and July 2024, according to the arrest warrant, George allegedly threw the victim to the ground as she was leaving the shower and then raped her.

A request for a temporary restraining order – designed to protect victims of domestic violence from further violence – was filed Friday in Cleveland Municipal Court. George had two arraignment hearings each on Saturday and Tuesday, during which he did not enter a plea to charges, according to the court. Documents.

The case was assigned to the As of Tuesday: Cuyahoga County Court.

In addition to the well-known restaurants and bars TownHall and Mandrake Rooftop Bar in Columbus, George owns several establishments in Cleveland. The Lantern reached out to TownHall's Columbus office for comment but did not receive a response.