SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - New court filings accuse the owner of the Wyndham in Springfield of intentionally vandalizing his own hotel, causing serious water damage to the property.
Illinois lawmakers staying at the hotel in March woke up to a significant water leak and elevators out of service.Â
According to documents filed with the U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, WAND News learned that the Springfield fire and police departments were investigating after they said it appeared that the property was intentionally vandalized.Â
The State Fire Marshal shuttered the hotel March 28.
Then in June, hotel owner Al Rajabi sued his insurance company, claiming Affiliated FM Insurance was stalling to pay the claim. Rajabi said he was losing thousands of dollars on cancelled reservations and events.Â
However, Affiliated FM filed a countersuit against Rajabi Monday night.
The company said it hired a private investigator who determined, "Mr. Rajabi colluded with others to cause the damage, and/or the damage was caused by other individuals with the knowledge of Mr. Rajabi."
The company added that it will not pay out the claim. Â
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