ORLAND PARK (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A private southwest suburban country club is closed after its liquor license was taken away this week and for being cited with building code violations. But some people who had party plans there are out big bucks.
The Riviera Country Club and Sports Center on 143rd Street in Orland Park was officially shut down last week for building code violations and had its liquor license pulled; but it came at the same time its operator, Lee Anglin, a convicted fraudster, was arrested for a parole violation. That caused a dilemma for people like Yolanda and Greg O’Connor, who planned their wedding reception there this month and recently gave the Riviera $1,500.
“It’s really hard for me to believe that there are people out there at this time that would take advantage of people like this,” Yolanda O’Connor said tearfully.
The O’Connors trusted Lee Anglin with their big day, but instead had to find another place to have their party.
“Total con man all the way through,” Greg O’Connor told CBS 2. “He knew exactly the right things to say and how to do it – how to pull the money in...They’re playing on your emotions, really.”
According to CBS 2, Lee Anglin was arrested by U.S. Marshals at the Riviera Country Club and Sports Center last week. He was found living in the bridal suite and was wanted for violating his parole.
Anglin previously served time in federal prison in a $10 million federal fraud case.
The Village of Orland Park revoked the Riviera’s liquor license this week, and the property owner asked that the business license be pulled as well, CBS 2 reported.
The village is now encouraging people who have contracts with the Riviera to file a police report and contact the Illinois Attorney General.
Meanwhile, the property owner told CBS 2 he feels swindled by Anglin as well, and said he plans to sell the Riviera property and will use the money to pay back those who are owed.
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