Manhattan Man Indicted for Falsely Claiming Ownership of New Yorker Hotel

Manhattan Man Indicted for Falsely Claiming Ownership of New Yorker Hotel

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a shocking turn of events, a Manhattan man, Mickey Barreto, has been indicted by Manhattan prosecutors for falsely claiming ownership of the iconic New Yorker Hotel. As was reported by the New York Post, Barreto’s audacious scheme involved falsifying property records and demanding rent from tenants under the guise of being the building’s owner. This brazen act has sent shockwaves through New York City, raising questions about property ownership and the vulnerability of iconic landmarks to fraudulent activities, the report added.

Barreto’s deceptive journey began with a one-night stay at the New Yorker Hotel in June 2018. Following this brief visit, he purportedly attempted to enter into a lease agreement using New York’s rent stabilization law. According to the information provided in the Post report, when his offer was rebuffed by the hotel’s owners, the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, Barreto pursued legal action and secured a court order allowing him back onto the premises.

Taking advantage of a judicial ruling, Barreto leveraged his temporary access to the hotel to perpetrate his fraudulent scheme. On May 28, 2019, he falsely claimed ownership of the $189 million, 43-story structure. As was indicated in the report in the Post, by manipulating clerks at the city’s Department of Finance and presenting Judge Jack Stoller’s order as evidence, Barreto succeeded in registering the building under his name.

Once masquerading as the “owner” of the New Yorker Hotel, Barreto embarked on a series of deceitful actions. He demanded rent from tenants, attempted to seize control of the hotel’s bank accounts, and even sought to transfer the franchise to himself, the Post report said.  Prosecutors allege that Barreto’s fraudulent activities persisted from May 2019 to September 2023, during which he continued to assert false ownership claims.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned Barreto’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of manipulating property records for personal gain. The Post reported that Bragg vowed to uphold the integrity of the city’s property system and prosecute those who attempt to deceive the system. Despite facing serious charges, Barreto maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty during his arraignment.

The indictment of Mickey Barreto serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the vulnerabilities within the property registration system and the potential for exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. As the legal process unfolds, the case will undoubtedly draw attention to the need for enhanced safeguards and oversight to prevent similar fraudulent activities in the future.

Barreto’s next court appearance scheduled for May 1 will be closely monitored, as prosecutors seek justice for the deceptive practices that threatened the integrity of one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, the report in the Post said. The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the city, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in property ownership and management.