Additional Coverage:
- A man who paid $200.57 for a night at a famous NYC hotel and then lived there rent-free for years is unfit to stand trial, court says (newsbreak.com)
Man Accused of Fraud in New Yorker Hotel Case Deemed Unfit for Trial
Mickey Barreto, who lived rent-free in the New Yorker Hotel for years, has been charged with fraud. However, doctors have found him unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues.
Barreto allegedly claimed ownership of the hotel, filed fraudulent property records, and even attempted to charge rent to other tenants. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office charged him with 24 counts, including 14 felony fraud charges.
Two doctors have concluded that Barreto does not understand the criminal proceedings against him. A judge has ordered him to undergo outpatient treatment, but now believes that inpatient care is necessary.
Barreto’s attorney plans to request inpatient care at a suitable facility. The judge has given him until November 13 to find an appropriate placement.
Barreto has denied drug addiction and claims that prosecutors are trying to hospitalize him because they lack evidence against him.