A towing company says their lucrative city contracts and operating license were eliminated because of the “bribery and corruption” of a city official and a towing-industry rival, according to a newly filed $150 million lawsuit naming the city.
Typically, a minor discrepancy like that would be handled by a simple fine, Runway’s lawyer claims in the complaint.But as a result of bribes given to Ulrich by Mazzio, the agency denied their renewal. “DCWP is committed to holding businesses, like Runway Towing and Mike’s Heavy-Duty Towing, accountable for preying on New Yorkers and we’ve taken action to prevent both companies from violating the law,” said spokesperson Michael Lanza.
Earlier this month, Ulrich — who has pled not guilty to a total of 16 felonies stemming from five indictments which stretch all the way back to his days as a Queens council member —Attorneys for the two rival towing companies did not respond to a request for comment. Ulrich could not be reached by time of publication and the city’s law department declined to discuss the new suit.