By Joe Johnson
The owner of two popular downtown Athens bars was arrested Monday for allegedly raping a customer at one of his establishments, Athens-Clarke County police said.
David Ellis Ippisch, 38, 0f 909 E. Broad St. was charged with kidnapping, rape, sexual battery and two counts of battery, police said.
According to police, Ippisch assaulted a 21-year-old customer between midnight and 2 a.m. Sunday at The Hedges on East Broad Street.
He allegedly forced the victim into a bar storage room where he assaulted her
The Hedges is located next to another bar thast Ippisch owns, 100 Proof.
Warrants for Ippisch's arrest were subsequently obtained, and he was booked into the Clarke County Jail at 8:17 p.m. Monday.
During a hearing Tuesday morning in Athens-Clarke County Magistrate Court, Ippisch’s case was transferred to Superior Court, where he is expected to file a motion for bond.
Police asked that anyone with information concerning this case contact Detective David Harrison at (762) 400-7361 or Lt. Derek Scott at (762) 400-7068.
Anyone who has been sexually assaulted or knows someone who has can contact The Cottage Sexual Assault Center. The agency provides a range of free services for children and adult victims of sexual and physical abuse, including medical accompaniment, advocacy, referrals and support groups.
The Cottage maintains a 24-hour crisis and information hotline at (877) 363-1912.