Two brothers who own a Queens pizzeria have pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges after admitting they paid thousands of dollars to a former New York City buildings official in exchange for government favors.

Joseph Livreri and Anthony Livreri, co-owners of Aldo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Ozone Park, admitted paying $4,000 to Eric Ulrich in 2022, according to prosecutors.

Ulrich previously served as a senior adviser to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams and later led the city’s Department of Buildings.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the brothers sought to use their relationship with Ulrich to obtain special treatment from city agencies.

Brothers Sought Expedited Inspections and Other Favors
According to prosecutors, the Livreri brothers wanted help with several business and licensing issues.

They admitted paying Ulrich in connection with an effort to prevent the Department of Buildings from vacating a location occupied by Fortunato Brothers Bakery in Williamsburg after a fire.

The brothers also sought to have health inspections expedited at their own pizzeria after the restaurant had been closed because of multiple health-code violations.

Prosecutors said they additionally sought assistance with licensing issues involving their codefendant, Michael Mazzio, who wanted authorization to tow vehicles on city highways during snowstorms.

Manhattan officials described the conduct as an example of public corruption.

Nadia Shihata, chief of the New York City Department of Investigation, said the brothers used bribery in an effort to obtain city benefits, expedited inspections and access to senior government officials.

Plea Deal Does Not Require Brothers to Testify
The brothers pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court and are expected to be sentenced in December.

Under their plea agreement, Joseph and Anthony Livreri will not cooperate against Ulrich if they are later called to testify in the corruption case against him.

Ulrich has faced multiple corruption indictments accusing him of abusing his positions in city government. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges and has denied accepting bribes.

Ulrich has also said that he has struggled with gambling and alcohol addiction.

Livreri Brothers Face Sentencing
Joseph Livreri faces up to six months in jail and five years of probation under his plea agreement.

Anthony Livreri is expected to receive five years of probation.

The brothers still face additional charges stemming from the broader investigation.

The case highlights how private business owners allegedly attempted to use personal relationships with government officials to bypass or speed up city procedures.

Their guilty pleas formally acknowledge their role in the bribery scheme, while the separate proceedings involving Ulrich remain ongoing.

Course: NY Post