F.W. city official accused of assault

FORT WAYNE, Ind., (WANE) --- - An investigation is underway by city officials and police now that a Fort Wayne woman has claimed Public Information Director Vince Robinson assaulted her in her home. The woman filed a protective order against Robinson last week.

The woman says she and Robinson dated, and had a sexual relationship. In her petition for the protective order she claims Robinson threatened her and caused her physical harm.

The court documents describe an incident where the woman says she was attacked by Robinson at her home.

During that alleged incident, she says Robinson threw her to the floor, body slammed her, and threw an iron candle holder at her head.

The order is good for two years and basically bans any contact and communication between the two.

Mayor Henry appointed Robinson as the head of the Public Information Office in August.

Before that, Robinson was the head of the Fort Wayne publication "INK Newspaper."

Deputy Mayor Greg Purcell says a background check was performed on Robinson, that didn't turn up anything concerning.

"It had no reportable records found in terms of anything with regard to Mr. Robinson in terms of arrests or convictions. The only thing it shows is a speeding ticket back in 2002," Purcell told NewsChannel 15.

No charges have been filed against Robinson, and Purcell says it's not clear if the allegations will be enough to cost him his job.

"Until we find out more information, it's really premature for us to talk about anything the city is going to do," he said.

But, according to Purcell, criminal charges would a whole different matter.

He says, "Those are currently domestic issues unless charges are filed. That's a different matter if criminal charges are filed."

Mayor Tom Henry added, "On purpose I've stayed out of it. I'm letting the internal investigation take place, when they're finished they'll meet with me and let me know the findings and we'll go from there. The worst thing we can do is act prematurely and have a knee-jerk reaction. I'd rather take the time and make sure it's done right."

Robinson is on paid leave Monday and Tuesday while the internal review continues.

NewsChannel 15 has learned that both Robinson and the woman are former co-workers and both are still married to other people.

According to court documents, Robinson and his estranged wife have been separated since 2006. He recently filed for divorce in September.