The notorious tenant accused of squatting in a rent-controlled West Village apartment was recently arrested for allegedly damaging a neighbor’s doorbell camera. Melvin DeJesus, 66, was caught on camera knocking on the door, leaving a note, and then ripping off the Ring Video Doorbell and taking it with him. Witnesses reported seeing a group of police officers approaching DeJesus and arresting him while he sat in a car that belonged to his former roommate, John Grafenecker.
DeJesus, who has a criminal record that includes an attempted murder charge from 1987, was charged with criminal mischief and theft. He had been living in the apartment at 400 Bleecker St. for about two decades after his former roommate Grafenecker took him in. Following Grafenecker’s death, DeJesus stayed in the apartment and is now facing eviction proceedings and a lawsuit from the building owner for allegedly turning the apartment into a “flophouse” and terrorizing neighbors.
Neighbors expressed fear and frustration, with some considering moving out due to safety concerns. Despite a court-issued restraining order against DeJesus, residents claimed that the building management failed to take adequate safety measures. The building owner, The Brodsky Organization, is suing DeJesus for $5.5 million and has obtained a restraining order against him. The company stated that they are committed to maintaining safe and comfortable housing for all residents.
DeJesus has argued in court that he has the right to stay in the apartment because Grafenecker was his long-term gay lover. However, a close relative of Grafenecker and another tenant in the building refuted this claim, stating that DeJesus had made homophobic attacks and insults towards gay tenants in the building. Grafenecker had lived in the apartment for decades before his passing.
The ongoing saga involving DeJesus has put a strain on the building’s residents, with some feeling unsafe and considering leaving. The situation has escalated to legal battles and restraining orders, highlighting the challenges faced by both tenants and building management in dealing with problematic individuals.
