Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud for Claiming Ownership of New Yorker Hotel

Mickey Barreto attempted to take over the iconic Manhattan hotel through an obscure tenant law and forged property records.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A New York City man named Mickey Barreto has pleaded guilty to fraud charges after attempting to claim ownership of the iconic New Yorker Hotel in Manhattan. Barreto had initially rented a room in the hotel in 2018 and then used an obscure tenant law to try to gain possession of the entire property, even going so far as to forge property records to transfer ownership to himself. He was eventually evicted in 2024 and charged with multiple counts of felony fraud.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential for abuse of little-known housing laws, as well as the challenges faced by property owners in dealing with fraudulent claims of ownership. The New Yorker Hotel is an iconic landmark in New York City, and Barreto's actions threatened the legitimate ownership and operation of the property.

The details

According to prosecutors, Barreto initially rented a room in the New Yorker Hotel in 2018 for $200. He then claimed that under a city housing law, his one-night stay entitled him to protections as a single-room occupant. When the hotel refused to grant him a lease, Barreto took the case to housing court and was awarded "possession" of the room after the hotel failed to send a lawyer to a key hearing. Barreto then went a step further, defrauding the state by uploading a fake deed that purported to transfer ownership of the entire building to himself. He attempted to collect rent from a hotel tenant and demanded the hotel's bank transfer its accounts to him, but was eventually evicted in 2024 and charged with multiple counts of felony fraud.

  • Barreto rented a room in the New Yorker Hotel in 2018 for $200.
  • In 2024, Barreto was evicted from the premises and charged with multiple counts of felony fraud.
  • On February 19, 2026, Barreto pleaded guilty to the fraud charges.

The players

Mickey Barreto

A New York City man who attempted to claim ownership of the New Yorker Hotel through forged property records and an obscure tenant law.

Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity

The current owner of the New Yorker Hotel, a church founded in South Korea by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon.

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What they’re saying

“I never intended to commit any fraud. I don't believe I ever committed any fraud. And I never made a penny out of this.”

— Mickey Barreto (Associated Press)

What’s next

As part of the plea deal, Barreto was sentenced to a six-month prison sentence that he has already served, along with five years of probation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for abuse of little-known housing laws and the challenges faced by property owners in dealing with fraudulent claims of ownership. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance and proper legal procedures when it comes to property ownership and management.