Judge Dismisses Case Against Real Estate Developer Charged With Bribery

January 24, 2026 - 03:14

A New York judge has dismissed one of five criminal indictments against Eric Ulrich, the former buildings commissioner under Mayor Eric Adams. The dismissed case centered on allegations that Ulrich accepted a discounted luxury apartment from a prominent real estate developer in exchange for political favors.

The ruling represents a significant, though partial, legal victory for Ulrich, who still faces four other indictments. Collectively, the remaining charges accuse him of accepting over $150,000 in bribes, which allegedly included cash, a bespoke suit, and other benefits during his time as a senior mayoral advisor and later as buildings commissioner. Prosecutors contend these gifts were exchanged for favorable actions from city government.

In dismissing the real estate-related charge, the judge cited procedural issues with the grand jury presentation. The prosecution's broader case, however, continues to move forward. The remaining allegations paint a picture of a sweeping corruption scheme, implicating several other individuals including a pizza shop owner and a towing magnate. Ulrich and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The dismissal narrows the scope of the high-profile case, which has cast a shadow over City Hall, but the core accusations of a pay-to-play scheme remain intact for a future trial.