New Fraud Charges for Brooklyn Landlord Accused of Freezing Out Rent-Regulated Tenants

A Brooklyn landlord charged with shutting off heat to drive out tenants now also faces allegations of mortgage fraud and larceny.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the new charges Thursday against Daniel Melamed. Six of his current and former employees and associates are also charged.

Melamed has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations. His lawyer hasn't immediately responded to a request for comment on the new charges, but the attorney has described the earlier unlawful-eviction case as "political grandstanding."

The Democratic attorney general said in 2015 that Melamed illegally shut off heat to rent regulated tenants, even when outdoor temperatures fell below freezing, exposed tenants to lead dust that were up to 88 times higher than permissible levels, and destroyed interior walls and common spaces creating fire hazards.

They also allege Melamed filed false documents with the city Department of Buildings, stating the building was vacant when all units were occupied, to avoid submitting a plan to ensure tenant safety during construction. He bought the building in 2012 and owns and manages six others in the city, according to the attorney general's office.

The new case accuses him and his co-defendants of forging documents to get government loans and buy properties in foreclosure.

The new case accuses him and his co-defendants of forging documents to get government loans and buy properties in foreclosure.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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