Owner of troubled Gates bar/hotel accused of insurance fraud; site declared unsafe

The owner of a trouble bar and hotel in Gates is now facing charges of insurance fraud and falsely reporting an incident. 

Naeem Butt, 60, owner of Wheels Up bar and Ramada Plaza Rochester Airport Hotel, 911 Brooks Ave., was arrested and charged with third-degree insurance fraud and falsely reporting an incident.

According to a statement from Gates Police Chief James Vanbrederode, Butts allegedly made an insurance claim of more than $22,000 in fraudulent credit card transactions that he had agreed to with an employee. He was arraigned Monday in Gates Court and released. He’s due back in court Sept. 5.

Also on Monday, the Gates fire marshal posted a “No Occupancy’’ sign at the Brooks Avenue location, deeming it “unsafe and uninhabitable’’ due to multiple health and fire code violations that have gone unresolved. A notice and order to vacate was addressed to Timothy P. Foster of Riedman Cos.

In April, more than 20 police officers responded to the bar and hotel after several fights broke out as hundreds were leaving a promoted party. Shots were fired, prompting the New York state Liquor Authority to suspend property's liquor license. In addition, the health department closed the bar due to a “significant mouse infestation.’’

More:Guns fired, two arrested, outside Wheels Up bar at former Ramada Plaza Airport Hotel in Gates

The Ramada Plaza Rochester Airport Hotel, which connects to the bar, is in foreclosure according to court documents. It is owned by F.M. Butt Hotels Corp., which purchased the former Holiday Inn in May 2017.

According to the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, Connecticut, Butt has twice appeared on The People’s Court television show to answer to various lawsuits when he owned another hotel operation.

LROTH@Gannett.com