"Manhattan Man's 5-Year Rent-Free Stay in New Yorker Hotel Ends in Fraud Indictment"

Mickey Barreto exploited an obscure New York City housing law to live rent-free in the New Yorker Hotel for five years, claiming ownership of the entire building and attempting to charge rent to another tenant. He was arrested and charged with filing false property records, but maintains that it should be a civil case. Barreto's legal saga began when he and his boyfriend paid $200 to rent a room in the hotel, and he claims he never intended to commit fraud or profit from the situation. The Unification Church, which owns the property, has sued Barreto over his claims of ownership, and the case is ongoing.