Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. has announced the indictment of Anthony Pittman, 35, on charges of identity theft and related crimes. According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Pittman allegedly used a stolen identity to obtain a Murray Hill apartment, forging multiple documents in the process. He faces one count of Identity Theft in the First Degree and three counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree.
In May 2024, Pittman applied for the apartment using the identity of an unsuspecting woman, falsifying tax records and employment information. After his application was approved, he paid $9,660 in checks for the deposit and rent—checks that later proved to be fraudulent. When the fraud came to light, the subletter involved in the scheme was removed, while Pittman disappeared with the rent money.
The D.A.'s Office highlights the role of its Housing & Tenant Protection Unit, established by Bragg in October 2022. The unit focuses on tenant harassment and the misuse of government programs by landlords and developers. It also investigates broader issues, including organized crime and collaborators in housing fraud. Additionally, the unit advocates for legislative changes to strengthen protections for tenants facing criminal harassment.
Recent actions by the Housing & Tenant Protection Unit have led to multiple indictments highlighting fraud and abuse in the city’s housing market. In August, a man was charged with allegedly collecting about $20,000 in rent for a non-existent Hell's Kitchen apartment. Another man was indicted for taking over $32,000 after promising the keys to a Midtown Manhattan luxury studio. Two landlords were also indicted for allegedly harassing rent-regulated tenants in Chelsea between September 2020 and this September. In a separate case, three individuals and three companies were charged in a scheme to steal a Harlem brownstone for profit.
District Attorney Bragg highlighted the work of Assistant D.A. Hannah Stambaugh and her team in addressing housing fraud that affects New Yorkers. The team includes investigative analysts Sofia Albi and Bailey Hanson, as well as members of the Investigations Bureau, Briggitte Lawell and Emmanuel Adelaja. Anyone who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact the D.A.’s Office through their helpline or email, according to the D.A.'s Office.
