"Manhattan Man's Five-Year Rent-Free Hotel Stay Ends in Fraud Indictment"

Mickey Barreto exploited a housing law loophole to live rent-free in a New York City 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 it should be a civil case. Barreto's legal saga began when he and his boyfriend paid $200 to rent a room in the New Yorker Hotel, and he later claimed possession of the room and then the entire building. The Unification Church, which owns the property, sued Barreto over the deed claim, and the case is ongoing. Barreto argues that his actions are aimed at denying profits to the church and has always represented himself in civil cases.