Evictions Started By 'Bernie Madoff Of Landlords' Should Be Halted While He Faces Trial, Pol Says

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Tenants the "Bernie Madoff of Landlords" was trying to evict should be allowed to stay in their homes while their buildings' owner is investigated, a politician said.

Steve Croman, who owns properties in the East Village and elsewhere in Manhattan, was charged last year with using false documents to get $45 million in loans. When state attorney general Eric Schneiderman announced the indictment on 20 felony charges, he called him the "Bernie Madoff of landlords."

While the criminal investigation into Croman continues, New York state senator Brad Hoylman said eight eviction cases against tenants should be stayed. In a statement, Hoylman said prosecutors have accused Croman of using baseless and frivolous lawsuits in an effort to push rent-stabilized tenants out of their apartments. While the criminal case, as well as a separate civil lawsuit, against Croman are ongoing, Hoylman said any lawsuits filed by the landlord should be halted.

"The court should stay all of the cases where Croman is suing tenants until these serious allegations are addressed," Hoylman said in a statement. "Otherwise these tenants, many of whom are not represented by legal counsel, risk irreparable harm, including losing their homes."

Croman is rumored to be considering a guilty plea in exchange for lesser charges. The New York attorney general's office told Patch on Wednesday that Croman's case is still ongoing and he has not officially entered a guilty plea. He is next scheduled to appear in court on May 23.

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