CLEVELAND — The legal team for Bobby George is laying the groundwork for a potential lawsuit against the city of Cleveland following the prominent businessman's recent arrest on various felony charges that include rape and attempted murder.
3News has obtained a copy of a letter sent to Cleveland Law Director Mark Griffin instructing his office "to preserve documents, tangible things, and electronically stored information (ESI) that are potentially relevant to the anticipated lawsuit and that are in the prospective party's possession, custody, or control." The letter is signed by Leo M. Spellacy Jr. of Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan.
These latest developments come less than two weeks after George appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court on various violent accusations made by an ex-girlfriend, who claims George either physically or sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions and even tried to kill her by shoving a towel down her throat. George's attorneys denied the charges and he has since been released on bond, with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office expected to present the case to a grand jury.
In a preview of what the lawsuit could look like, George's lawyers appear to be making claims that members of the law department were biased in their decision to charge George with nine felonies. Specifically, they pointed to a separate Dec. 2, 2023, letter sent to prospective Cuyahoga County Democratic political candidates from a number of organizations that advised them against doing business with or taking money from the George family.
"As an aspiring candidate and a flagbearer of the Democratic Party, you are who you surround yourself with. A heightened sense of due diligence is therefore expected of you," the letter, which made reference to the numerous controversies surrounding the Georges over the years, read. "You must ask yourself this question: Are these the people l want to be associated with, let alone finance?"
3NEWS INVESTIGATES: George family has donated more than $36,000 to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley's political campaigns over the years
Among the six organizations that signed the letter, one of them was Cleveland Stonewall Democrats, whose executive board includes Chief Cleveland Prosecutor Aqueelah Jordan. George's team is now singling out any relevant communications involving Jordan or other members of the Cleveland Prosecutor's Office involved in the investigation.
Messages are also being sought from Griffin and his team, as well as the Cleveland Division of Police's Domestic Violence Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, and First and Third districts. A patrol officer, a sergeant, and two detectives who seemingly were most heavily involved with the investigation were singled out for review.
When reached by 3News for comment, spokesperson Tyler Sinclair stressed that the city commonly gets these types of preservation letters and abides by them. He added, "We will do the same here as this is no different than others."
You can read the full letter below: