Ex-NYC Buildings Commissioner's Bribery Trial Begins

Manhattan prosecutors on Monday launched their corruption trial against former New York City Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich, portraying him as a "compromised politician" who accepted bribes for personal gain. Ulrich, 41, and co-defendant Michael Mazzio, who operates a Brooklyn towing company, are accused of trading political favors for cash and other benefits, including $10,000 worth of Mets season tickets.

"They say politics is the art of the possible, but for these defendants, public office was nothing more than an office for personal gain," Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Guy Tardanico stated during opening arguments. Tardanico alleged that Ulrich, who served briefly as Buildings Commissioner before resigning, "betrayed the public’s trust" by using his position to grant favors to friends in exchange for financial rewards.

One alleged incident involved Ulrich intervening to help reopen Aldo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, owned by brothers Anthony and Joseph Livreri, after a health inspector shut it down due to a severe mouse infestation. The Livreri brothers, who have since pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges, reportedly contacted Ulrich when the restaurant was closed. Prosecutors claim Ulrich, despite initial hesitation due to fears of losing his job, became involved less than two hours later, allegedly facilitating the restaurant's reopening after contacting the mayor's office and the Department of Buildings.

Ulrich is accused of receiving payments through electronic transfers, a 20-game Mets ticket package, and cash, including a $4,000 payoff. Prosecutors stated he made efforts to conceal these payments from his financial disclosures. Evidence presented at trial is expected to include surveillance footage, financial records, and recorded conversations, including one where Ulrich is heard counting money.

Ulrich's attorney, David Jason Cohen, argued that his client, a former Republican city councilman, was a "rising star" with too much to lose to accept bribes. Cohen characterized Ulrich as a gambler and alcoholic but maintained that his "office was never for sale."

Mazzio's attorney, James Froccaro, described his client and Ulrich as close friends who discussed their problems, asserting that Mazzio did not bribe Ulrich to act on his behalf. Prosecutors, however, claim Ulrich helped Mazzio’s daughter secure a city job with a higher salary in exchange for the tickets and cash to cover gambling debts.

Ulrich faces multiple charges, including offering a false instrument for filing and bribery. Both he and Mazzio have pleaded not guilty. Ulrich was arrested in September 2023 on 16 felony charges stemming from his roles as a councilmember, a senior advisor to former Mayor Eric Adams, and Buildings Commissioner. He resigned from the Buildings Commissioner position after six months amid an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

The bench trial, presided over by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Daniel Conviser, is expected to last six weeks. If convicted, Ulrich could face up to 15 years in prison. The trial is set to continue on Tuesday. Ulrich is the first of several allies of former Mayor Adams to face trial in related cases; Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a longtime adviser, and Frank Carone, a former chief of staff, are also facing charges in separate proceedings.