Ex-NYC Buildings Chief Eric Ulrich Heads to Trial for Bribery Charges
Ulrich is accused of trading political favors for thousands of dollars in bribes, including luxury goods and event tickets.
Former New York City Buildings Department head Eric Ulrich is set to stand trial more than three years after his indictment for allegedly trading political favors for thousands of dollars in bribes.
Ulrich, 41, faces a bench trial before Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Daniel Conviser, where prosecutors are expected to detail accusations that he orchestrated a long-term scheme to provide political shortcuts in exchange for valuable perks. These alleged benefits included a $10,000 premium Mets season ticket plan, custom suits, and a painting attributed to an apprentice of Salvador Dalí.
Ulrich was indicted in September 2023 on 16 felony counts across five separate indictments. These charges stem from his tenure in various political roles, including a term as a Queens councilmember and a position as a senior advisor to former Mayor Eric Adams. He resigned as buildings commissioner after only six months following an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
He will be tried on two indictments. One involves co-defendant Michael Mazzio, who allegedly paid Ulrich to expedite building and health inspections for his Brooklyn towing company. Ulrich, who has previously claimed he cannot afford an attorney, is accused of using bribe money to purchase Mets season tickets, including nearly $5,000 for 10 tickets to the 2022 Mets-Yankees Subway Series.
Initially, Ulrich was charged alongside six other defendants, including brothers Joseph and Anthony Livreri, owners of Aldo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, who reportedly have ties to organized crime. The Livreri brothers pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy and bribery charges after admitting to paying Ulrich $4,000 to prevent the DOB from forcing them to vacate a fire-damaged business.
One indictment against real estate developer Mark Caller, a donor to Adams, was dismissed in January. Court records indicate that the cases against other defendants, Paul Grego and Victor Truta, remain active.
Ulrich faces multiple counts of offering a false instrument for filing and bribery. If convicted of bribery, he faces a minimum of five years in prison. The trial is anticipated to last several weeks.