Protest planned after TownHall employee's arrest
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TownHall is part of a popular, but controversial restaurant group. Photo: Stephen Zenner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A protest is planned outside TownHall this weekend after another man with ties to a popular Ohio restaurant group was arrested on a felony strangulation charge.
Why it matters: The arrest has fueled the latest backlash against the controversial Ethos Hospitality Group, which operates several high-profile restaurants in Columbus and Cleveland.
Driving the news: Michael Roen McCullough was arrested Aug. 29 and charged with strangulation, a second-degree felony, according to police reports.
- The victim, whose name was redacted from reports, told police that during an argument in a car, McCullough "punched her in the face several times," broke her cell phone and pushed her against the window by the throat, when she lost consciousness, according to arrest reports.
- A Franklin County judge granted her request for a protection order.
- McCullough's preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday.
What they're saying: McCullough declined to comment when reached by phone.
- His attorney, Sam Shamansky, tells Axios that he's not yet able to comment on case details but that McCullough is out on bond, will be pleading not guilty and is "committed to following all court orders."
What we're watching: A flier advertising a protest outside Columbus' TownHall on Saturday is circulating on social media and Short North windows — it's unclear who is organizing the demonstration.
- "This protest is being organized to inform the community about the violent criminal charges against TownHall's leadership and to discourage people from supporting their businesses," it reads.
Context: McCullough, 25, was a walk-on long snapper for the Ohio State football team between 2018-2020.
- Ethos, owned by Bobby George, operates TownHall, Rebol, Mandrake and Harry Buffalo in the Columbus area, and several other locations in Cleveland.
- Ethos COO Tony Quintal declined to explain McCullough's role in an interview with Axios, but the arrest report lists his occupation as "Head of Security" at TownHall, and he was arrested at Mandrake.
- Shamansky says he's not aware of McCullough's employment status.
McCullough's since-deleted LinkedIn page noted his promotion to "Director of Hospitality at Ethos."
- McCullough has also been named as a defendant in multiple court cases against Ethos properties.
- In two cases, one at Cleveland's TownHall and one at Mandrake in Columbus, the suits alleged that McCullough assaulted patrons — both cases have been terminated.
The protest stems from growing opposition to Ethos properties that came to a head when George was arrested last year.
George, 44, was charged last August with attempted murder, rape and kidnapping.
- A woman accused George of strangling her, holding her at gunpoint, raping her and attempting to suffocate her on separate instances, according to reports of George's arrest warrant.
- She alleged he stuffed a towel in her throat and said, "You think God is going to help you?"
- George's case was scheduled to be presented to a grand jury in March, but he hasn't been indicted.
- His attorney has denied the allegations.
In both Cleveland and Columbus, Ethos establishments are popular and draw celebrities, but also frequently court controversy.
- George's father was connected to the House Bill 6 scandal, though he was never charged with wrongdoing.
- In Cleveland, George openly defied mask mandates in 2020.
- Ethos establishments "protested" the 2024 Olympics, saying the games' opening ceremony was "insulting the Christian faith."
- Ethos did not return requests for comment.