Two brothers who own a pizzeria in Queens pleaded guilty this week to bribing a former high-ranking official in the Adams administration.

Anthony and Joseph Livreri entered guilty pleas in Manhattan Supreme Court to conspiracy and bribery charges. They admitted paying $4,000 to Eric Ulrich between 2021 and 2022. Ulrich previously served as Buildings Department commissioner and earlier as a senior adviser to Mayor Eric Adams.

What the Brothers Admitted in Court

According to the plea, the money was paid to lift a vacate order on Fortunato Brothers Bakery in Williamsburg. The bakery had been shut down after a fire. Prosecutors have also pointed to broader efforts by the brothers to seek Ulrich’s help with faster inspections and other business matters. Those additional claims come from the government. The plea itself is limited to the $4,000 payments and the bakery order.

The Livreris co-own Aldo’s pizzeria in Ozone Park. Under the terms of their agreement, they will not cooperate against Ulrich if called to testify and would invoke their Fifth Amendment rights. Sentencing is scheduled for December. Joseph Livreri faces a possible sentence of up to six months in jail and five years of probation. Anthony Livreri faces five years of probation.

Ulrich’s Separate Case

Ulrich continues to face multiple corruption charges and has pleaded not guilty. His case is expected to proceed to trial. The brothers’ plea resolves only a portion of the original accusations filed when they were charged alongside him in 2023. The remaining counts against Ulrich remain allegations until a court decides otherwise.

What Comes After a Guilty Plea

Once a defendant enters a guilty plea, the focus shifts to sentencing. The judge considers the specific facts admitted in court, the amount of money involved, and the individual circumstances of the person before the court. At that stage, the defense works to ensure the judge receives a complete and accurate picture before deciding on a sentence.

Public corruption cases in New York carry serious consequences. A plea does not close every question. Sentencing terms, limits on cooperation, and any related investigations can still shape the final outcome. Anyone facing charges is entitled to a careful, prepared defense. That is a legal right. It is not a statement about the underlying conduct.

Facing White-Collar or Public Corruption Charges in New York?

At Bukh Law P.A., we have dealt with and represented people charged with white-collar offenses in Brooklyn.

If by matter of circumstances you or a family member has been charged, or has received a target letter or grand jury subpoena, don’t risk it all alone. Seek legal justice by taking the first step of reaching out to us for assistance.

Use the contact form on our website and request a confidential phone conversation.