Unraveling the Case of Mickey Barreto

For an astonishing five years, Mickey Barreto resided in Room 2565 of the iconic New Yorker Hotel without paying a single penny in rent. However, his seemingly endless free stay came to an abrupt end when he faced eviction and was charged earlier this year with a complex criminal scheme aimed at fraudulently claiming ownership of the Midtown Manhattan landmark.

In a surprising turn of events, two medical professionals, alongside the prosecution, have declared that Mr. Barreto is currently not mentally competent to stand trial. A judge has mandated that he find inpatient psychiatric treatment within seven days. Should he fail to do so, a hearing is scheduled for next week, wherein he will be compelled to undergo treatment.

Mr. Barreto was indicted in February on 24 counts, which included 14 felony fraud charges. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office described the situation as a lengthy criminal endeavor to assert ownership over the New Yorker Hotel, to which Mr. Barreto has pleaded not guilty.

Initially released on his own recognizance after his arrest in February, Mr. Barreto faced immediate repercussions when his passport was confiscated. However, as the summer progressed, the court required him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, conducted by two appointed doctors. Their assessment revealed that he did not fully grasp the nature of the criminal proceedings against him and diagnosed him with two mental illnesses alongside a significant drug addiction.