Opening of Eric Ulrich's Bribery Bench Trial

The trial of Eric Ulrich, former New York City buildings commissioner, began Monday with prosecutors alleging a sweeping bribery conspiracy tied to the early months of the Eric Adams administration. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office outlined its case, stating that several high-ranking city officials, including Ulrich’s predecessor Melanie La Rocca, are set to testify against him in court.

Prosecution's Case and Key Witnesses

Assistant District Attorney Guy Tardanico, addressing the judge, detailed that the case centers on Ulrich's alleged acceptance of more than $150,000 in cash and various gifts—including an expensive New York Mets season ticket package—from business associates. In exchange, prosecutors claim Ulrich used his influence to lift a vacate order, expedite a health safety inspection, and secure a higher-paying city job for a family member. Melanie La Rocca, the former NYC buildings commissioner appointed during the de Blasio administration, is expected to testify about Ulrich’s interventions, while Eric Adams, who hired Ulrich, is not expected to take the stand.

Allegations of Quid Pro Quo and Surveillance Evidence

According to the prosecution, evidence was obtained over a year-long investigation involving surveillance and recorded calls. One focal incident involves Ulrich, while serving as special adviser to Mayor Adams, reportedly pressing then-commissioner La Rocca to lift a vacate order at Fortunato Brothers bakery in Brooklyn for friend Joseph Livreri. Prosecutors say Livreri immediately paid Ulrich $4,000 in return for the favor and acted as an intermediary with other business owners. Livreri, who owns Aldo's Pizzeria in Ozone Park, has since pleaded guilty in a related bribery case and admitted to the payment, though Ulrich denies wrongdoing.

Building Department Actions and Further Testimonies

The Department of Buildings originally issued the vacate order after a fire damaged an upstairs apartment at the bakery in March 2022. Prosecutors allege Ulrich contacted La Rocca from a Queens diner, urging, “make sure they don't send the wrong inspector,” and later arranged an in-person meeting. La Rocca, according to Tardanico, responded by expediting the reinspection without formal scheduling or request, actions which the prosecution claims demonstrate improper influence. La Rocca has not responded publicly to the allegations.

Additional testimony is expected from Connor Martinez, the former chief of staff at the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. Martinez allegedly faced pressure from Ulrich to speed up a safety inspection at Aldo’s after it was shut down due to "hundreds of fresh mice droppings." Martinez has declined to comment.

Defense Response and Ulrich’s Background

Ulrich, a former three-term city councilmember, pleaded not guilty after his indictment in September 2023. He chose a bench trial, with Judge Daniel Conviser presiding, forgoing a jury. His defense attorney, David Jason Cohen, acknowledged Ulrich was struggling with a gambling addiction and received money from friends and associates primarily to fuel this addiction—not as bribes. Cohen asserted that while Ulrich assisted constituents, there was no exchange of favors for cash. He characterized Ulrich as influential in Eric Adams’ 2021 mayoral victory and cited Ulrich’s introduction of Adams to key South Queens figures, including Livreri and Michael Mazzio.

The defense also described a warning from Adams regarding Ulrich's involvement with an illegal gambling venue, prompting Ulrich to sever ties with Livreri. Adams’ spokesperson did not comment on this privately reported conversation but acknowledged Ulrich's importance to the mayoral campaign.

Co-Defendants and Further Claims

Ulrich is standing trial alongside Michael Mazzio, owner of a Brooklyn towing company and described as Ulrich’s best friend. Mazzio faces accusations of bribing Ulrich with money and Mets season tickets in exchange for city job-related favors. Both men deny wrongdoing, with Mazzio’s lawyer arguing that helping supporters in lawful ways is a routine part of political life. Prosecutors, however, counter that Mazzio did not share the Mets tickets with Ulrich as claimed and was not even a fan.

The trial, expected to last over a month, continues to draw attention to allegations of political corruption within the Adams administration and the workings of key city departments.

Source: gothamist.com.