For five years, a New York City man managed to live rent-free in a landmark Manhattan hotel by exploiting an obscure local housing law.

But prosecutors this week said Mickey Barreto went too far when he filed paperwork claiming ownership of the entire New Yorker Hotel building — and tried to charge another tenant rent.

On Wednesday, he was arrested and charged with filing false property records. But Barreto, 48, says he was surprised when police showed up at his boyfriend’s apartment with guns and bullet-proof shields. As far as he is concerned, it should be a civil case, not a criminal one.

  • @muntedcrocodile
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    268 months ago

    Did bro claim squatting rights lol. He might acually win.

    • NaibofTabr
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      548 months ago

      He got greedy, claimed he owned the whole building and tried to charge other people rent.

      He might’ve been fine if he’d just left it alone.

      • @muntedcrocodile
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        28 months ago

        Fair but imagine if hes just playing the long time.

        • Flying Squid
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          398 months ago

          He was legally in the building for free. All he had to do was not commit fraud.

          He committed fraud.

        • @rdyoung
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          8 months ago

          What is his next move? Stay in prison for 5 years and then file to take over ownership of the prison?