Politics
Bribery trial of former NYC buildings chief opens with focus on Adams ties
Prosecutors say Eric Ulrich traded official actions for bribes, arguing he needed money. His defense portrays the former buildings commissioner as a public servant who helped people and would not jeopardize his career.
NEW YORK — The bribery trial of Eric Ulrich, a former New York City buildings commissioner and close adviser to former Mayor Eric Adams, began Monday in Manhattan, putting Adams’ political circle under scrutiny as jurors hear the case against the former official.
Prosecutors say Ulrich accepted bribes in exchange for taking official government actions. Assistant District Attorney Guy Tardanico told jurors the case would include wiretap recordings, surveillance footage and financial records, and argued that Ulrich’s motive was financial: “He needed the cash.”
Ulrich’s defense attorney offered a different account, describing him as a dedicated public servant who helped people who sought his assistance. The lawyer argued Ulrich would not have risked his chance to serve in senior city government by engaging in bribery.
Ulrich served as a campaign strategist and City Hall adviser to Adams before briefly leading the city’s Department of Buildings. The case is among the first criminal trials involving a member of Adams’ inner circle, and could be followed by others. The allegations at trial are against Ulrich; prosecutors have yet to present the evidence they say will support them.