A Manhattan judge has dismissed a bribery case against Brooklyn real estate developer Mark Caller. This decision on Friday, January 23, 2026, marks a significant development in one of five indictments targeting Eric Ulrich, the former New York City buildings commissioner.
The ruling found that prosecutors did not present a complete picture to the grand jury, specifically regarding the prior relationship between Mr. Caller and Mr. Ulrich. This dismissal impacts a case that had been part of broader corruption allegations within City Hall.
Key Takeaways
- Manhattan judge dismissed bribery charges against developer Mark Caller.
- The judge cited incomplete evidence presented to the grand jury.
- Former commissioner Eric Ulrich still faces four other felony indictments.
- The dismissal does not imply bad faith by prosecutors, according to the judge.
Details of the Dismissed Indictment
The indictment against Mr. Caller, CEO of the Marcal Group, accused him of bribing Eric Ulrich. Prosecutors alleged Mr. Caller used his connection with Mr. Ulrich to influence the Department of City Planning for a zoning change on one of his projects. They also claimed Mr. Ulrich facilitated connections to other high-ranking officials to speed up requests.
However, Justice Daniel Conviser, who oversaw the cases, determined that prosecutors held "extensive exculpatory evidence" about Mr. Caller's relationship with Mr. Ulrich. This evidence was not presented to the grand jury that voted to indict the developer. The judge emphasized that without this full context, the grand jury could not make an informed decision.
Key Fact
The dismissed indictment included accusations of the highest dollar values among Mr. Ulrich's cases, totaling over $150,000 in alleged bribes.
Judge's Reasoning for Dismissal
Justice Conviser's decision highlighted a lack of evidence showing Mr. Caller's intent or attempt to bribe Mr. Ulrich during the alleged scheme. He stated that had the grand jury known about their existing relationship, they might not have indicted Mr. Caller. This type of dismissal is rare, but the judge deemed it the "proper remedy" for the circumstances.
"The grand jury, had they learned of Ulrich and Caller’s prior relationship, certainly might have determined not to indict the defendant under the legal standards outlined here," Justice Conviser wrote in his decision.
Despite the dismissal, Justice Conviser did not find that prosecutors acted in bad faith. He described them as "well-prepared, diligent and careful." Out of the five indictments, four were found to be lawful and legally sufficient, with only the one involving Mr. Caller being invalidated.
Defense and Prosecution Reactions
Benjamin Brafman, Mr. Caller's lawyer, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. He maintained that his client was a "scrupulously honest real estate developer who would never intentionally violate the law." Mr. Brafman praised Judge Conviser's wisdom and independence in dismissing the indictment.
Mr. Brafman also noted the significant impact the indictment process had on Mr. Caller's reputation. He remarked that "sometimes, just the fact of being indicted often is enough to ruin someone’s reputation."
Background on Eric Ulrich
Eric Ulrich, a former city councilman, was appointed as a senior adviser and then as buildings commissioner by former Mayor Eric Adams in May 2022. He resigned six months later when the investigation by the Manhattan district attorney's office became public.
Emily Tuttle, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, stated that the office respects the court's decision. She confirmed that prosecutors would "proceed with the four remaining indictments" against Mr. Ulrich.
David Cohen, a lawyer for Mr. Ulrich, called the indictment "cherry-picked" details by prosecutors. He asserted that his client "has never accepted bribes, never would accept any bribes and stayed true to his oath of office." Mr. Cohen celebrated the decision as a win for Mr. Caller and his business, highlighting what he called "the overreach by the government."
Broader Context of City Hall Investigations
Mr. Ulrich's indictment was one of several legal challenges that emerged during the administration of former Mayor Eric Adams. In 2024, Mr. Adams himself faced federal charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery. These charges marked the first indictment of a sitting New York City mayor in modern history, though the Justice Department later dropped them.
The investigations extended beyond the mayor. Mr. Adams’s chief adviser was indicted five times by Mr. Bragg’s office. His liaison to the Muslim community pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiring to commit wire fraud. A series of other investigations targeted a police commissioner, the director of Asian affairs, and a chief political fund-raiser.
These legal challenges, combined with Mr. Adams’s relationship with former President Trump, contributed to a challenging electoral landscape for the mayor last year. Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, succeeded Mr. Adams this year, campaigning partly on a promise to end an era of corruption in City Hall.
- Eric Ulrich: Former NYC buildings commissioner, still faces four felony indictments.
- Mark Caller: Real estate developer whose bribery case was dismissed.
- Eric Adams: Former NYC Mayor, faced federal charges that were later dropped.
- Alvin L. Bragg: Manhattan District Attorney, whose office brought the indictments.
Remaining Charges Against Eric Ulrich
While the case involving Mr. Caller is dismissed, Mr. Ulrich continues to face serious felony charges in four other indictments. These charges include accusations of using his office's influence for various favors.
Among the alleged favors were funds for gambling and a premium Mets season ticket package valued at nearly $10,000. In the now-dismissed indictment with Mr. Caller, prosecutors had accused Mr. Ulrich of receiving a discounted apartment in a luxury beachfront building in Queens owned by the developer.
The ongoing legal battles highlight continued scrutiny over public officials and their interactions with private sector entities in New York City. The outcome of Mr. Ulrich's remaining cases will be closely watched as the city aims for transparency and accountability in its governance.
