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Former owner charged in Velvet Rope fire

Nov. 2, 2013 - The former owner of an Oak Park bar and restaurant destroyed by fire last year has been charged with two counts of arson and one count of insurance fraud.

Frank Elliot, 26, who operated the Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge, 728 Lake St., was arrested early last night at the Bonsai Bar, the business he operates at 3503 N. Halstead St., in Chicago.

Firefighters responding to a report of smoke at about 6:30 a.m., June 3, 2012 extinguished the fire within minutes, but not before the interior of the building had sustained significant damage. Businesses on both sides of the restaurant also had water and smoke damage and were closed for several days for cleanup. No injuries were reported.

Investigators from the State Fire Marshall were called in after local investigators determined there was probable cause to indicate arson.

As state investigators combed the fire scene, Elliot was telling local reporters and television stations that he believed his establishment was targeted because it catered to a gay clientele.

Oak Park Police Chief Rick C. Tanksley lauded the tenacity and focus of investigators who worked closely with the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney to actively pursue the case for more than a year.

“This incident was a troubling one for our community, which prides itself on being open and welcoming to all. A hate crime just didn’t make sense,” Tanksley said.

Elliot was transported to Cook County Criminal Court at 26th and California, where he is awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for sometime today.

If convicted, Elliot could face up to seven years in prison for each count of arson and 15 years for insurance fraud, in addition to fines of $25,000 or more.