NYC Mayor Eric Adams Reportedly Informed Commissioner Prior to Gambling Investigation
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has been caught up in an illegal gambling controversy. Reports from the New York Daily News suggest that the mayor tipped off his newly-appointed buildings commissioner, Eric Ulrich, about an ongoing investigation by the Manhattan district attorney's office into Ulrich's alleged association with an underground gambling ring.
Ulrich, a former Queens city council member who had endorsed Adams for mayor, was appointed as buildings commissioner in May 2022. This position entails regulating the city's zoning codes and earns a salary of almost $250K annually. However, just seven months into the job, he tendered his resignation in November 2022 following a search warrant being served at his house by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's office. The investigation is rumored to center around Ulrich's connections to an illicit gambling center in Queens.
Admitting to his past issues with alcoholism and gambling, Ulrich shared these struggles on Facebook last year:
"The COVID pandemic has impacted individuals in various ways. I am sad to say that I developed a drinking problem. What was previously a social activity and a means to manage stress, has now turned into a habit that is too frequent and self-destructive."
Mayor's Alleged Warning
As revealed by sources close to the ongoing investigation, Ulrich is alleged to be cooperating with investigators and has shared details about Adams warning him of an imminent probe. Adams and Ulrich allegedly discussed the NYC Department of Buildings Construction Safety Week in May 2022. According to the Daily News, the mayor mentioned to Ulrich that "a little birdie" had given him a heads-up about the latter's connection to a gambling club in Queens.
Ulrich, in turn, claimed that Adams warned him to "watch your back" and "watch your phones", hinting at the prospect of an upcoming investigation.
The Miami Herald-owned paper also claims that the probe is zeroing in on a Queens businessman named Joseph Livreri, whose Aldo’s pizzeria in Ozone Park is believed to be a front for an illegal gambling operation. Livreri is alleged to have run unlicensed card games and gambling machines from his 101 Café in Ozone Park, too.
Ulrich informed investigators that he had distanced himself from Livreri's gambling operation in 2021. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that he had shared Adams’ warning with Livreri later on.
Neither the DA's office nor lawyers for Livreri or Ulrich have commented or been reached for a response.
Accusations of Corruption
This investigations into a former top official of Adams' administration is yet another blow to the mayor's reputation. Adams' administration had received criticism in the past for allegedly receiving straw donations from New York City contractors who attempted to bribe the mayor to gain political favors.
Earlier this month, Bragg announced, "We allege a deliberate scheme to game the system in a blatant attempt to gain power. The indictment charges the defendants with subverting campaign finance laws by improperly structuring campaign contributions."
Though Adams has not been accused of any corruption in this instance, he emphasized the importance of integrity in his term:
"Integrity is at the core of this administration. This is an administration that believes we must be beyond reproach. I sleep reasonably well every night."
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Source: www.casino.org
