x
Breaking News
More () »

Co-owner of Mia Bella Restaurant in Cleveland's Little Italy charged with multiple counts of rape, kidnapping

The 17-count indictment also accuses Emigert Gerti Memeti of gross sexual imposition and domestic violence. The 38-year-old is currently free on bond.

CLEVELAND — A co-owner of one of Cleveland's most popular restaurants is being accused of multiple instances of sexual assault, among other crimes.

3News has obtained a 17-count indictment against 38-year-old Emigert Gerti Memeti, co-owner of Mia Bella Restaurant in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. A Cuyahoga County grand jury levied the following charges against the Highland Heights resident:

  • Five counts of rape (a first-degree felony)
  • Five counts of kidnapping (a first-degree felony)
  • Three counts of gross sexual imposition (a fourth-degree felony)
  • Four counts of domestic violence (M1)

The alleged incidents took place during the timeframe of Oct. 20. 2021, and June 24, 2022, although no specific information was available as to the exact nature of the events. Court records show Memeti was first arrested in July before pleading not guilty, and is currently free after posting 10% of a $50,000 bond. He has been ordered to have no contact with his alleged victim or victims.

Credit: Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office
Mugshot of Emigert Memeti

Located on the corner of Mayfield and Murray Hill Roads for a little over a decade, Mia Bella is considered one of Little Italy's finest eating establishments. The restaurant is currently experiencing one of its busiest weekends with the annual Feast of the Assumption (happening Friday through Monday), but as of now, all mentions of Memeti have been scrubbed from its website.

"This case is still pending," Memeti's attorney Joseph Lonardo told WKYC Friday afternoon. "Gerti is 38 years old with no criminal history. He is a loving father, hardworking business owners, and denies the allegations 100%."

A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

SUBSCRIBE: Get the day's top headlines sent to your inbox each weekday morning with the free 3News to GO! newsletter

More headlines: 

Do you want to be among the first to know the most important local and national news? Download the free WKYC app and get updates right on your phone: Android, Apple.

Before You Leave, Check This Out