Charges: Man Stayed at Rochester Hotel for 3 Months Without Paying

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Florida man was arraigned in Olmsted County Court Friday after prosecutors accused him of living in a Rochester hotel for roughly three months without paying. 

Get our free mobile app

The criminal complaint filed against 55-year-old Steven Paige says officers were called to a southwest Rochester hotel for a disturbance on Thursday. Responding officers learned that Paige had allegedly threatened staff members after they confronted him for squatting at the hotel. 

Staff reported seeing Paige around the hotel over the past three months. They first thought he was a guest but became suspicious after guest complained about dirty rooms and Paige entering guest’s rooms posing as a maintenance worker, the complaint states.

Hotel staff estimated Paige stayed without paying for roughly 90 nights which equates to $11,250 in losses, according to the complaint. While speaking with police, Paige admitted to staying at the hotel without paying but said he was in-and-out of the room over the course of one week. 

Paige is charged for felony theft by swindle and for giving false identification information to police. Olmsted County jail records indicates Paige is also being held for three suspected felony violations for another law enforcement agency. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 8.