Today, local restaurateur Sean Heineman was found guilty of the rape of a minor. The charges involved one victim — a 25-year-old woman who had been sexually abused by Heineman beginning at age 6, according to the indictment, and who had been raped by Heineman from age 11 to 16. 

The jury trial, held in Cuyahoga County, involved a massive indictment (see below) and a small bit of media presence.

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Originally published Aug. 18, 2014

Sean Heineman was arrested earlier this month in Cleveland Heights on charges relating to the rape of a young girl. [6/16/15 UPDATE: Heineman was formerly connected through investment and ownership to a number of Northeast Ohio restaurants.]

WEWS first reported today that Heineman was indicted on 34 felony counts, including 18 counts of rape. The victim was listed as having been born in 1990. The charges span from 2001 to 2009. 

Heineman posted bond ($500,000) on Aug. 14, the day of his arraignment. 

A pretrial conference has been set for Aug. 25 at the Justice Center.

This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2014.

Eric Sandy is an award-winning Cleveland-based journalist. For a while, he was the managing editor of Scene. He now contributes jam band features every now and then.

8 replies on “Local Restaurateur Sean Heineman Found Guilty of Rape: UPDATE”

  3. Yeah, the law doesn’t look too kindly on raping 11 year olds. I wonder how this will impact business at his Harry Buffalo location – that place is always packed.

  4. It seems to me a lot of guys get into the bar business to meet and score with chicks…creeps. God only knows how he took advantage of his position at this watering hole. Perhaps a secret bedroom in the building somewhere?

  6. I guess when her attorneys had days to plead their case and mr Heineman’s attorneys were told by the judge they had 3 hours their might be bias? No witnesses or evidence was presented by the prosecution! His ex wife is on his side and never witnessed any sexual abuse.

  7. @notasitappears. You apparently forgot to mention about the audio with his admission. Also, an innocent man wouldn’t have fled from the cops. Details details…

  8. “His ex wife is on his side”… doesn’t say much for her.

    “No…evidence was presented by the prosecution”… Heineman’s recorded conversation with the victim, acknowledging what he had done, was what the people of the court, consider evidence.

    My prayers go out to the victim and her family, and any other victims that may be out there.

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