"NYC Man's 5-Year Rent-Free Stay in Iconic Hotel Ends in Indictment"

Mickey Barreto lived rent-free in the New Yorker Hotel for five years by exploiting a local housing law, but now faces fraud charges and possible eviction after attempting to claim ownership of the building and charge another tenant rent. Barreto's residency began in 2018 when he used the Rent Stabilization Code to establish himself as a tenant, and despite legal battles, he remained in the hotel without paying rent. Prosecutors allege that he falsely portrayed himself as the hotel's owner and attempted to profit from the building through various means.