Ohio News

Business owner admits to assault on girlfriend during argument

Cleveland, OH A businessman has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an assault on his girlfriend. Robert “Bobby” George, 44, of Lakewood, faced accusations of strangling his 25-year-old girlfriend in a June outbreak of violence.

Cuyahoga County prosecutors stated he forced a towel down the victim’s throat and bit her on the nose. He accepted a plea deal, resulting in five years of community control instead of prison time for attempted strangulation, a fifth-degree felony.

During his sentencing on Monday, a judge indicated that a joint recommendation of probation from the victim influenced her decision. George acknowledged the judge’s comments.

George, owner of TownHall restaurant and the Barley House, allegedly attacked his girlfriend during an argument, choking her numerous times throughout the evening. He also reportedly threw her around their shared residence and prevented her from leaving.

In a court indictment, the prosecution detailed the level of harm inflicted on the victim. Initially charged with attempted murder and rape, George faced a series of felonies based on the multiple assaults over several months.

Prosecutor Jane Hanlin expressed the lasting consequences of George’s actions. She stated that he will carry the label of a convicted felon for life.

One of the victim’s submitted statements outlined her fear. She noted that the impacts of the assault left her terrified and resulted in difficulties with trust.

Despite facing serious charges, George compared his situation to that of a political figure, suggesting he was targeted unjustly. He criticized the legal proceedings against him as politically motivated.

George lost funding for a business project due to the charges against him. During Monday’s proceedings, he stated he had not admitted to a crime but acknowledged a step toward one.

He will face imprisonment if he violates probation terms, which include no contact with the victim or her family. Additionally, George must complete community service hours within the first six months of probation.

Father sentenced to over 25 years for shaking infant son to death

Fostoria, OH

Joseph D. Bonito, a 25-year-old father, will serve 25 to 31 and a half years in prison for killing his infant son earlier this year. Wood County Common Pleas Judge Mary “Molly” L. Mack issued the sentence on Monday following a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault.

Bonito had initially faced murder charges but reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. He received 11 to 16 and a half years on the manslaughter charge and seven years consecutively for each assault charge.

On February 11, officers and medical personnel responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant in a residence on North Countyline Street. Bonito placed the 911 call, stating he last checked on his son, Carson, three hours prior and that the child appeared “white” and unresponsive.

First responders performed lifesaving measures and transported Carson to Fostoria ProMedica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators noted that Carson had multiple injuries consistent with abuse, and Bonito admitted to physically abusing him the day before.

During sentencing, Emma Shultz, the victim’s mother, addressed the court, expressing her grief and loss. She highlighted how the tragic incident affected her family, describing how their lives changed irrevocably.

Bonito chose not to speak in court. His attorney stated that his client accepted responsibility and expressed remorse for the incident.

Businessman faces charges in brutal attack on girlfriend

Lakewood, OH – Robert “Bobby” George, a businessman and restaurateur, is facing serious charges after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in a violent attack. The incident reportedly occurred in June, during which he forced a towel down the victim’s throat and bit her on the nose.

George, 44, known for owning TownHall restaurant and the Barley House, plans to plead guilty to attempted strangulation. He aims to bypass grand jury proceedings, according to Cuyahoga County prosecutors.

Details emerged that George choked the woman multiple times and physically threw her during the dispute that lasted hours. He also allegedly prevented her from leaving the residence.

The indictment states he attempted to cause substantial risk of physical harm to the victim, referred to as Jane Doe. Prosecutors indicated that George had originally been charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder and rape.

The case is notable for the involvement of Jefferson County prosecutor Jane Hanlin, who took over after Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael O’Malley recused himself. O’Malley had previously donated to George’s business campaigns.

Hanlin expressed respect for the victim, highlighting the difficulty victims often face in violence-related cases. The plea deal was crafted in coordination with the victim, aiming for a resolution that aligns with her wishes.

At the time of the attack, the victim was reportedly hiding and praying for help when George questioned her belief in God. Between November and July, he was accused of multiple assaults on her.

As a consequence of legal troubles, George has lost significant financial backing, including $3.5 million from the Ohio Senate for a planned eatery and entertainment complex. He remains out on bond while awaiting the outcome of his plea deal.