MANHATTAN — A convicted child rapist, who is listed as a high-risk sex offender, is the superintendent at several Upper West Side buildings, the New York Post reported.
William Barnason, 57, served more than 14 years for the rape, sodomy and sexual abuse of three Long Island girls and was released from prison in 2001, according to the Post.
Landlord Stanley Katz hired Barnason to manage three buildings at 144 W. 73rd St., 140 W. 75th St. and 142 W. 75th St., the Post reported.
Residents are terrified because, as the super, Barnason holds the keys to more than 50 apartments, the paper reported.
"It seemed so unbelievable that someone would allow a registered sex offender -- Level 3, a rapist -- would allow them to have keys," Carol Engle, a resident, told the Post. "Just a total disregard for the safety and well-being of people."
Residents have accused Barnason of sexual harassment and offering reduced rents for sexual favors, according to the paper.
The landlord denied the allegations and only recently became aware of Barnason's criminal past, Katz's lawyer, Santo Golino, told the Post.
Golino said there were no plans to fire Barnason, the paper reported.
