N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 853

§ 853. Action for forcible or unlawful entry or detainer; treble\ndamages. If a person is disseized, ejected, or put out of real property\nin a forcible or unlawful manner, or, after he has been put out, is held\nand kept out by force or by putting him in fear of personal violence or\nby unlawful means, he is entitled to recover treble damages in an action\ntherefor against the wrong-doer.\n