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Man Sentenced for Hotel Fraud, Lives Rent-Free for Years

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mickey Barreto, a New York City man, pleaded guilty to fraud for attempting to own the New Yorker Hotel.
He used tenant protections to live rent-free for years.
A court ruling for possession of a room preceded his forging of records to claim ownership of the hotel.
Barreto was evicted in 2024 and sentenced to six months in prison followed by five years of probation.

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Story summary

Mickey Barreto, a New York City man, pleaded guilty to fraud for attempting to own the New Yorker Hotel.
He used tenant protections to live rent-free for years.
A court ruling for possession of a room preceded his forging of records to claim ownership of the hotel.
Barreto was evicted in 2024 and sentenced to six months in prison followed by five years of probation.