Judge Drops One Bribery Case Against Developer Tied to Former Council Member

Real estate developer linked to Eric Ulrich bribery scandal sees charges dismissed

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:31pm

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A Manhattan judge has dropped charges against a real estate developer who was linked to the bribery scandal that brought down former New York City Buildings Commissioner and Queens City Council Member Eric Ulrich. Ulrich still faces felony charges in four other cases brought by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Why it matters

The bribery scandal involving Ulrich and the real estate developer has raised concerns about corruption in local government and the influence of money in politics. The dismissal of charges against the developer may raise questions about the strength of the prosecution's case.

The details

The charges against the unnamed real estate developer were dropped by a Manhattan judge last week. The developer was linked to the bribery scandal that led to the downfall of former New York City Buildings Commissioner and Queens City Council Member Eric Ulrich. Ulrich still faces felony charges in four other cases brought by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

  • The charges against the real estate developer were dropped by a Manhattan judge last week.

The players

Eric Ulrich

A former New York City Buildings Commissioner and Queens City Council Member who faces felony charges in four other cases brought by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Manhattan District Attorney's Office

The office that brought the four remaining felony charges against Eric Ulrich.

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The takeaway

The dismissal of charges against the real estate developer linked to the Ulrich bribery scandal raises questions about the strength of the prosecution's case and the broader issue of corruption in local government.