Eric Ulrich Bribery Trial Puts Queens Gambling Activity in Focus

Former New York City official Eric Ulrich went on trial Monday, Oct. 19, over allegations that he traded political favors for cash and gifts, with prosecutors placing his gambling activity at the center of their case.

According to Casino.org’s report, prosecutors say gambling losses left Ulrich short of money and vulnerable to corruption. His defense disputes that the payments and favors amounted to bribes.

Ulrich and co-defendant Michael Mazzio are being tried without a jury before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Daniel Conviser.

Resorts World visits feature in prosecutors’ account

Prosecutors say Ulrich gambled away roughly half his paycheck at Resorts World New York City and the 89th Street Café in Ozone Park, Queens. The latter was described in the report as an illegal gambling club operated by his former aide, Joseph Livreri.

Livreri renovated the club premises in 2020, adding slot machines, video poker terminals and high-end card tables, according to the report.

The prosecution also alleges that Ulrich helped secure a rapid health reinspection for Aldo’s Pizzeria after it was shuttered over a mouse infestation in 2022. Prosecutors say Joseph Livreri sent Ulrich $300, which Ulrich promptly spent at Resorts World.

Those allegations concern Ulrich’s conduct. The supplied account does not allege wrongdoing by Resorts World.

Cash and Mets tickets among alleged benefits

Ulrich was originally accused of accepting more than $150,000 in bribes from businessmen seeking favors from City Hall. One of five original indictments was later dismissed, and the current trial concerns two cases.

Joseph and Anthony Livreri pleaded guilty last month to bribery-related charges. The brothers admitted paying Ulrich $4,000 to help rescind a vacate order at Fortunato Brothers Bakery in Brooklyn after a fire.

Prosecutors allege Mazzio provided Mets season tickets worth nearly $10,000 in exchange for help with licensing problems affecting his towing company. They also allege Ulrich helped Mazzio’s daughter obtain a better-paid city job.

Defense disputes the bribery allegations

Ulrich’s attorney, David Jason Cohen, argues that his client’s personal problems did not make him corrupt.

“Eric’s mistake was not corruption, it was trust,” Cohen told the court, according to City & State, as cited by Casino.org.

Ulrich resigned in November 2022 and was indicted in 2023. The trial is expected to include wiretaps, financial records and testimony from senior city officials. The allegations against Ulrich and Mazzio remain to be decided by the judge.

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Source: As reported by Casino.org.

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