Michael J. Peter
Michael J. Peter
| Michael J. Peter | |
|---|---|
| Height: | 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) [1] |
He attended the Cornell University School of Hotel Management.[1]
His first job in Florida after moving to the state in 1973 was as manager of the Dubsdread Country Club.[1] Afterwards, he bought the Red Lion for $13,000 and renamed it Thee Dollhouse.[1] In 1984, he bought a half-interest in a failing pizza parlor, owned by Jeanne C. Williams, north of Pompano Beach, which he converted to Thee Dollhouse III.[2] In 1985, he opened Solid Gold in Fort Lauderdale.[1] In March 1988, Peter, Williams, and a partner bought an Oakland Park club, which they renamed Pure Platinum.[2] In December 1988, Williams obtained a 47 percent stake in Solid Gold after she bought out two of Peter`s partners.[2] On August 22, 1989, Williams put up a 20 percent share with Peter to purchase Main Attraction in Fort Lauderdale.[2]
He also founded MJ Peter Club Management, a consulting firm for strip clubs, and Platinum magazine.[1]
In 1991, he was arrested for attempting to kidnap a business rival who had tried to recruit his dancers, though the charges were eventually dismissed.[1]
In December 1995, he was indicted on 10 counts of racketeering and charged with allowing members of the Gambino family to keep a hidden interest in three of his clubs.[1] He ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud for failing to list builder James Williams, who had loaned him money, on his liquor license application.[1] He served time in prison from January 1997 to May 1998.[1] He initially served time at Miami Federal Prison Camp until April 1997 when authorities accused him and several other inmates of leaving for an evening tryst with prostitutes.[1] Although he denied doing so, he was placed in solitary confinement and transferred to a prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey.[1] He lived in Lauderdale Isles before going to prison.[1]
He appeared on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous in the late 1980s.[1]