GOP Ex-NYC Councilman Charged With Bribery Scheme

Gothamist reports:

As New York City stared down an unprecedented rise in homelessness last year, its buildings commissioner was allegedly scheming with a deep-pocketed developer to clear fire victims from a Rockaway Park emergency shelter in exchange for a discounted luxury condo nearby, Manhattan prosecutors charged Wednesday.

Eric Ulrich, the former commissioner of the Department of Buildings, faces 16 counts of bribery and conspiracy stemming from an array of alleged pay-to-play schemes benefiting associates with business before the city.

In indictments unsealed on Wednesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Ulrich, a Republican former councilmember whom Mayor Eric Adams appointed to lead the city’s buildings department, of trading favors like rezoning approvals and expedited permits in Queens for a luxury apartment discount, Mets season tickets and a tailored suit, among other expensive gifts.

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ICYMI: Former DOB commissioner Eric Ulrich & his associates were indicted for a wide-ranging bribery scheme as Ulrich allegedly used his taxpayer-funded positions to solicit more than $150,000 worth of cash and gifts in less than 2 years. Watch here: pic.twitter.com/cu9BK9LVg6

— Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) September 15, 2023

The ex-buildings commissioner being prosecuted for brazen bribery spent nine months working for @NYCMayor before filing his background check paperwork, despite obvious integrity risks, @Gregbsmithnyc reports. Was anyone in the administration even checking? https://t.co/e3uxanlPOh

— Alyssa Katz (@alykatzz) September 15, 2023

Ex-Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich accepted $150,000 in bribes, prosecutors say.

“He allegedly used his taxpayer-funded positions as City Councilmember, then Senior Mayoral Advisor, and finally Department of Buildings Commissioner to line his pockets.”https://t.co/016tsQoXTu

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 13, 2023

Eric Ulrich was known to gamble and associate with organized crime figures…and Eric Adams appointed him to run the most corruption-prone city agency. Without a background check. This is either reckless or intentional.

— Alyssa Katz (@alykatzz) September 15, 2023