Manhattan Man Sentenced for Trying to Fraudulently Claim Ownership of New Yorker Hotel

Mickey Barreto pleaded guilty to forging property records in an attempt to take over the iconic Art Deco landmark

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Mickey Barreto, a 49-year-old Manhattan resident, was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to forging property records in an attempt to claim ownership of the iconic New Yorker hotel. Barreto had falsely claimed ownership of the $189 million hotel in 2019 and even tried to collect rent from a tenant and contact the hotel's franchisor, Wyndham, in a bid to transfer the franchise to himself.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by landmark hotels and property owners in protecting their assets from fraudulent claims and attempts at takeover. The New Yorker hotel, an iconic Art Deco building, was forced to fight Barreto's bogus ownership claims in court, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards against such property fraud schemes.

The details

Barreto spent one night at the New Yorker hotel in June 2018 and then claimed he wanted to enter a lease agreement through the city's rent stabilization law. When the hotel's owners, the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of the World Christianity, refused, Barreto sued in civil court and was allowed to stay at the hotel rent-free for a year. In May 2019, Barreto then convinced city finance department clerks that the judge's orders meant he was now the owner of the 43-story, $189 million hotel. As the self-proclaimed 'owner,' Barreto demanded rent from a tenant and tried to contact the hotel's franchisor, Wyndham, in an attempt to transfer the franchise to himself.

  • In June 2018, Barreto spent one night at the New Yorker hotel and claimed he wanted to enter a lease agreement.
  • In May 2019, Barreto convinced city finance department clerks that he was the owner of the New Yorker hotel.
  • In 2021, the civil case was settled.
  • In 2024, Barreto was indicted by prosecutors.
  • On February 18, 2026, Barreto was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation.

The players

Mickey Barreto

A 49-year-old Manhattan resident who falsely claimed ownership of the iconic New Yorker hotel and was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation for forging property records.

Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of the World Christianity

The owners of the New Yorker hotel, an iconic Art Deco landmark in Manhattan.

Wyndham

The franchisor of the New Yorker hotel, which Barreto tried to contact in an attempt to transfer the franchise to himself.

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What they’re saying

“We worked really hard to get something that everyone can live with. Mickey got some treatment he needed and he's looking forward to getting on with his life.”

— Brian Hutchinson, Barreto's attorney (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mickey Barreto out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by landmark hotels and property owners in protecting their assets from fraudulent claims and attempts at takeover, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards against such property fraud schemes.