Two former New York City Fire Department Chiefs were arrested last fall on charges of soliciting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to ensure the department’s fire-safety division extended preferential treatment to specific individuals and companies. Anthony Saccavino, 59, of Manhattan and Brian Cordasco, 49, of Staten Island were arrested in September.
The two former fire chiefs were charged with bribery, corruption, and false statements after allegedly accepting the bribes between 2021 and 2023. Saccavino and Cordasco were both expected to be freed on $250,000 bail. The case against the ex-fire chiefs came amid other corruption investigations in New York City.
Manhattan-based U.S. Attorney Damian Williams refused to admit whether the case against the chiefs was related to other investigations. “We are determined to address it from root to branch, and our work is far from done,” he said during a news conference. “If you are aware of and participated in corrupt activity in our government, now is the time to come forward to get on the right side of the law.”
Attorney Joseph Caldarera reacted to the charges against Saccavino describing them as “both surprising and distressing.” He added, “I want to assure the public that we will vigorously contest these allegations. He deserves the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, just like any citizen. Chief Saccavino’s legacy as a firefighter and a leader should not be overshadowed by these claims.”
Cordasco’s attorney, Frank Rothman, also defended his client’s legacy, noting he “has been a dedicated firefighter for two decades, serving fearlessly and faithfully.” Defending the veteran, high-ranking NYC firefighter the lawyer further stated, “This is indeed a sad and troubling day, but I’m glad he’s on his way home.”
Late last month, Saccavino entered into a plea deal in Manhattan federal court and pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge. His sentencing date has been set to May 14. Cordasco pleaded guilty in October to a conspiracy charge, and his sentencing is scheduled for March. Saccavnio admitted that he and others agreed to accept $190,000 in bribes.
U.S. Attorney Williams added, “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.”
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.”
Watch Hakeem Jeffries demand fights “in the streets” against Trump here:
Featured image credit: By Peter Stehlik – PS-2507 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20144536
Source:Gen Z Coservative
