Former City Official Faces Bribery Charges in NYC
Court recordings reveal how a former buildings commissioner allegedly exerted influence to reopen a shuttered pizzeria.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Corruption
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Following his September 2023 arrest, recordings played in Manhattan Criminal Court detailed how former buildings commissioner Eric Ulrich intervened to reopen Aldo's pizzeria after a February 14, 2022, health shutdown. Prosecutors allege Ulrich accepted payments in exchange for bypassing city inspection protocols.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding public officials leveraging mayoral adviser roles to circumvent municipal health department mandates. By using his influence to pressure city staff, Ulrich allegedly prioritized the interests of restaurant owners over regulatory compliance.
Anthony and Joseph Livreri have pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges related to the schemes. The legal proceedings remain ongoing as the court reviews evidence, including recorded conversations regarding official interventions.
The players
Eric Ulrich
He served as the New York City buildings commissioner and as an adviser to the mayor.
Anthony and Joseph Livreri
They are restaurant and bakery owners who pleaded guilty to charges involving bribery and conspiracy.
Fred Kreizman
He is an official who was contacted by Ulrich to intervene in the health inspection matter.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin
She is a city official who communicated with restaurant ownership regarding the status of the business reopening.
Connor Martinez
He is an individual who was dispatched by city leadership to manage the restaurant inspection process.
The details
Prosecutors contend that after a health inspector found mouse droppings and unrefrigerated calamari at the Queens restaurant, Ulrich contacted Fred Kreizman to facilitate a bypass of standard procedures. With Connor Martinez directed to handle the matter and Ingrid Lewis-Martin involved in discussions, the business was able to reopen within one week of being shuttered.
Timeline
February 14, 2022: Aldo's pizzeria was shut down by a health inspector.
September 2023: Eric Ulrich was arrested on corruption charges.
September 2026: The Livreri brothers pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy.
October 2026: Recordings were played in Manhattan Criminal Court.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by recent municipal corruption indictments, highlighting the continued scrutiny of influence-peddling within city agencies. Such prosecutions signal a broader effort to curb the intersection of personal financial incentives and administrative authority.
Residents may see increased oversight and stricter compliance protocols for city health inspections as agencies work to restore public trust. These developments emphasize the risks posed to local safety when administrative safeguards are bypassed for private gain.
The takeaway
Public trust is contingent upon the transparent and impartial application of health and safety regulations across all businesses. When officials prioritize personal payments over established protocols, it undermines the integrity of municipal government and threatens public well-being.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing efforts to address public integrity issues, visit the Corruption page.
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