Newsman: Two former chiefs of the New York City Fire Department’s (“FDNY”) Bureau of Fire Prevention (“BFP”) Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco were arrested Monday in connection with bribery, corruption, and false statements offenses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco abused their authority as chiefs of the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention to line their pockets in a pay-to-play bribery scheme. By allegedly selling priority access to the BFP’s services, which are vital to preventing New York City businesses and homes from fire-related incidents, Saccavino and Cordasco undermined the public trust and put their own greed above the interests of the taxpayers they swore to serve. This Office and our partners at the DOI and FBI will continue to ensure that City officials who put themselves over the public interest will be held accountable.”
Anthony Saccavino (59) and Brian Cordasco (49), former Bureau of Fire Prevention Chiefs who are both retired, were arrested on charges of bribery, corruption and false statements alleging they solicited and received these bribes from 2021 through 2023, according to court records.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention Chiefs regulates the installation of fire safety and suppression systems throughout the city and ensures that fire safety regulations are obeyed across New York.
On Monday,Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ANTHONY SACCAVINO and BRIAN CORDASCO, two former chiefs of the New York City Fire Department (“FDNY”) Bureau of Fire Prevention (“BFP”) with bribery, corruption, and false statements offenses. SACCAVINO and CORDASCO
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: “When senior City officials provide special treatment in exchange for money, they abuse their authority, fail to serve New Yorkers fairly and equitably, and undermine confidence in the integrity of City government. As alleged, two senior leaders of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, responsible for fire safety approvals and inspections, and facing a significant backlog, fast-tracked dozens of projects in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments. I thank the FDNY for referring allegations of possible criminal conduct to DOI, prompting this investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI for working with us to pursue this important case.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “The FDNY officials charged today allegedly took bribes to expedite the inspection process, undermining the fairness and integrity that are fundamental to our system. By doing so, they not only compromised public safety but also eroded the public’s trust in those who are sworn to protect us. Additionally, they damaged the trust of the overwhelming majority of New York City firefighters who are honest, hardworking public servants who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, often putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure our safety. These men and women embody the highest standards of integrity and service. The actions of a few should not overshadow the dedication and bravery of the many who wear the badge with pride and honor.”
Robert Tsigler, founding attorney for the law firm representing Saccavino, said the allegations against the former chief run counter to Saccavino’s life-long commitment to the fire department.
“Chief Saccavino is a life-long public servant, he’s dedicated his life to the FDNY,” Tsigler said. “We want the truth will come out, we believe it’s going to come out in the appropriate time and the appropriate form.”
New York City’s police commissioner, Edward Caban stepped down last week as federal corruption investigations targeted Mayor Adams and his top aides. As part of the investigation, authorities seized Caban’s mobile phones as well as other top Adams aides and confidantes.
These include Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice Philip Banks III, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks. Earlier this year as well, investigators seized Adams’ own electronic devices as part of an investigation of illegal Turkish funding of his 2021 mayoral campaign.
There was no mention of the Turkish investigation in the most recent indictment against the two former fire chiefs.
The two former officials became the latest high-ranking city officials to be named in a series of federal investigations plaguing Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.
