Queens Brothers Admit Bribing Former Adams Official

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Two Queens brothers admitted Wednesday to bribing a former top official in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration in exchange for government favors, including expedited inspections and help with city business matters, according to the New York Post.

Joseph and Anthony Livreri, co-owners of Aldo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Ozone Park, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to conspiracy and bribery charges after admitting they paid $4,000 to Eric Ulrich, Adams’ former senior adviser and Department of Buildings commissioner, in 2022.

Prosecutors said the brothers sought jobs for themselves and family members, as well as expedited inspections at businesses facing health and building code violations.

The Livreris also admitted paying Ulrich in an effort to prevent the Department of Buildings from vacating Fortunato Brothers Bakery in Williamsburg after a fire. They separately sought to fast-track health inspections at their own pizzeria after it had been closed because of multiple health violations, the Post reported.

The brothers also sought Ulrich’s help cutting through licensing hurdles for co-defendant Michael Mazzio, who wanted to operate a towing business on city highways during snowstorms.

Nadia Shihata, chief of the city Department of Investigation, described the conduct as “quintessential public corruption,” saying the brothers used bribery to gain access to senior city officials and obtain government benefits.

The Livreris had political ties to Adams. They donated to his campaign and hosted a fundraiser for him in 2021. According to charging documents cited by the Post, the brothers and Ulrich also met with Adams at Aldo’s shortly before Adams took office.

Under their plea agreements, the brothers will not cooperate against Ulrich if they are called to testify in his case.

Ulrich faces multiple corruption charges and has pleaded not guilty. He has denied accepting bribes, according to the Post.

The Livreri brothers are expected to be sentenced in December. Joseph Livreri faces up to six months in jail and five years of probation, while Anthony Livreri faces five years of probation.