Two brothers who own a Queens pizzeria with alleged mob ties have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery charges for paying $4,000 to a former official in then-Mayor Eric Adams' administration in exchange for official favors. Joseph and Anthony Livreri, co-owners of Aldo's Pizzeria and Restaurant, entered their pleas Wednesday in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that the bribes were paid to Eric Ulrich, who served as Adams' senior advisor and commissioner of the Department of Buildings. According to Bragg, the brothers sought jobs for themselves and family members, along with expedited inspections for businesses that had code violations, in exchange for the payments.
The Livreri brothers' plea agreement stipulates they will not cooperate against Ulrich, who faces separate corruption charges, should he be called to testify. The brothers are scheduled for sentencing in December.
Prosecutors had previously indicted the Livreris in September 2023, detailing their alleged scheme to bribe Ulrich. The charges included efforts to prevent the Department of Buildings from closing their Fortunato Brothers Bakery in Williamsburg after a fire. They also sought to fast-track health inspections at their pizza shop after it was shut down due to health violations. Additionally, the brothers allegedly sought to expedite licensing for a codefendant, Michael Mazzio, to allow him to tow vehicles on city highways during snowstorms.
Nadia Shihata, chief of the city's Department of Investigations, characterized the brothers' actions as "quintessential public corruption," adding that they used bribery to gain city benefits, including expedited inspections and access to senior administration members. Shihata also noted that the scheme aimed to secure a city position for the daughter of another defendant.
The Livreri brothers had connections to Mayor Eric Adams. They donated to his mayoral campaign and hosted a fundraiser for him in August 2021. Records indicate that the brothers and Ulrich met with Adams in person at Aldo's Pizzeria just 10 days before Adams took office.
Ulrich, who has pleaded not guilty to a series of corruption charges, allegedly used some of the bribe money at an illegal gambling club partially owned by Joseph Livreri. Ulrich was reportedly hired as an advisor by then-Councilman Ulrich. Ulrich has attributed his alleged actions to gambling and alcohol addiction but denies accepting bribes.
Joseph Livreri faces a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and five years of probation. Anthony Livreri faces a sentence of five years of probation.