Former NYC Buildings Commissioner Faces Corruption Trial
Eric Ulrich is on trial in Manhattan for allegedly accepting over $150,000 in cash and gifts during his tenure.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Corruption
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Former Department of Buildings commissioner Eric Ulrich has appeared in Manhattan court for the start of his corruption bench trial. Prosecutors allege Ulrich sold access to city officials while serving under Mayor Eric Adams.
Why it matters
The case centers on whether payments Ulrich received were corrupt bribes to influence city business or personal loans from friends. The outcome will determine if his actions constituted a serious abuse of public office.
Eric Ulrich faces trial after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued five indictments, with one charge already dismissed. The proceedings involve codefendant Michael Mazzio and follow guilty pleas from Anthony and Joseph Livreri.
The players
Eric Ulrich
He is the former commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings who served under Mayor Eric Adams.
Alvin Bragg
He is the Manhattan District Attorney who filed the indictments against the former commissioner.
Eric Adams
He is the current Mayor of New York City who appointed Eric Ulrich to his administration.
Anthony and Joseph Livreri
They are individuals who pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the bribery allegations.
Michael Mazzio
He is a named codefendant in the corruption trial alongside Eric Ulrich.
The details
Prosecutors claim Ulrich used his position to benefit associates, including accepting $4,000 from the Livreris to lift a vacate order on a Queens bakery. Defense lawyers argue that Ulrich, who resigned in 2023, was struggling with gambling and alcohol addictions and relied on friends for small loans.
Timeline
September 2023: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced five indictments against Eric Ulrich.
September 2026: Anthony and Joseph Livreri pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy charges.
October 19, 2026: The bench trial for Eric Ulrich officially began in Manhattan.
November 2026: The trial is estimated to conclude.
Legal Context
This case follows the pattern of the 2023 corruption indictments against NYC officials in that it targets administrative influence within the current mayoral government. It highlights ongoing scrutiny into the intersection of municipal policy-making and private financial interests.
The case brings heightened scrutiny to how the Department of Buildings manages regulatory orders such as vacate notices. Residents and local business owners may see increased oversight in how city agencies handle requests to bypass or lift official building citations.
The takeaway
This case underscores the legal risks for public officials who accept personal gifts or funds from individuals with pending regulatory issues. It serves as a reminder of the strict compliance standards required to maintain the integrity of city administration.
What happens next
The bench trial is expected to conclude in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the legal proceedings involving city officials, visit the New York City Corruption archive.
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