Man Accused of Burning Bar For Insurance Money

The former owner of a west suburban bar and restaurant destroyed in a fire last year has been ordered held on $20,000 bond on arson and insurance fraud charges.

Frank Elliot, 26, who operated the Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge, 728 Lake St. in Oak Park, was arrested early Friday at the Bonsai Bar, which he operates at 3503 N. Halstead St., in Chicago, according to Oak Park police.

Firefighters responded to a report of smoke at the Velvet Rope at 6:30 a.m. on June 23, 2012, police said. The fire was quickly extinguished but not before the building sustained significant damage and adjacent businesses suffered water and smoke damage.

No injuries were reported but state investigators determined arson was the probable cause of the fire, police said.

At the time of the blaze, Elliot told media outlets that he believed his bar was targeted because it catered to a gay clientele, police said.

If convicted, Elliot faces a maximum seven-year prison sentence for each count of arson and 15-year maximum for insurance fraud. He would also face fines of at least $25,000.

He was ordered held on $20,000 and will next appear in court Nov. 5, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.