A developer expected to be indicted in a corruption scandal that ensnared the former buildings chief was a significant fundraiser for Mayor Eric Adams’ victorious campaign.
Mark Caller, founder and chief executive officer of The Marcal Group, raised $47,000 for Adams’ 2021 campaign during a Brooklyn rooftop soiree, The City reported. Roughly a third of that total came directly from members of the Caller family.
Before Adams officially announced his candidacy, Caller and his wife donated $1,000 each to his campaign. Once Adams entered the race, the campaign returned $600 of Caller’s donation because the developer had business with the city.
Caller is a key figure in the corruption scandal dogging former Department of Buildings commissioner Eric Ulrich, charged last month by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg under a sealed indictment. The DA office accused Ulrich of accepting a discounted luxury apartment in Brooklyn from Caller, who could face charges in the coming days.
Adams is not accused of any wrongdoing in the case. A spokesperson for the mayor’s office told the outlet that the mayor hasn’t spoken to Ulrich about the investigation and hasn’t received any requests from Bragg. Through his attorney, Caller denied wrongdoing regarding Ulrich.
The Republican resigned from Adams’ administration in November after investigators approached Ulrich relating to a gambling investigation and seized his phone. Prosecutors have alleged the ousted DOB chief also has ties to illegal gambling and organized crime.
Caller’s firm is centered on mid-sized, outer-borough projects in the city. His most notable project was in Rockaway Park; other neighborhoods where Caller has developed include Bensonhurst and Pelham Bay.
Though Adams isn’t accused of wrongdoing in the case or regarding Caller’s fundraiser, it’s another hit to the administration. This summer, six people were indicted on 27 counts for allegedly using straw donors to support Adams’ 2021 campaign.
— Holden Walter-Warner
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