Two Retired FDNY Chiefs Indicted in Federal Bribery Case

By - September 14, 2024
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New York City, NY – In a shocking turn of events, two retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) chiefs, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, were indicted on September 16, 2024, for their involvement in a bribery and corruption scheme that spanned nearly two years. The indictment, unsealed by federal authorities in Manhattan, alleges that both men accepted $190,000 in bribes from an expediting business in exchange for prioritizing building fire inspections, offering preferential treatment to certain projects, and manipulating the inspection process to expedite results.

This development has shaken New York’s public safety infrastructure, as both Saccavino and Cordasco were high-ranking officials within the FDNY during their tenure. Saccavino, who had been the Assistant Chief of the FDNY’s Fire Prevention Bureau, and Cordasco, who served as Deputy Assistant Chief under Saccavino, were responsible for overseeing critical fire safety protocols in one of the busiest and most densely populated cities in the world.

The Allegations: Bribery, Conspiracy, and Fraud

According to the 43-page federal indictment, the bribery scheme ran from 2021 to 2023 and involved Saccavino and Cordasco working with a retired firefighter who owned an expediting business. This business was tasked with facilitating inspections for building projects. As part of the scheme, Saccavino and Cordasco allegedly directed inspectors within their bureau to fast-track inspections for certain clients of the expediting business in exchange for substantial cash payments.

The indictment accuses the retired FDNY chiefs of repeatedly abusing their positions of authority to bend the rules for these clients. Specifically, they falsely claimed that certain properties were on a “City Hall List” of priority projects. This designation allowed those buildings to bypass standard waiting periods and receive inspections ahead of schedule, while other properties had to wait much longer. Prosecutors allege that Saccavino and Cordasco lied to justify the expedited treatment and concealed the financial arrangements that were made behind the scenes.

Federal investigators revealed that Saccavino and Cordasco used their influence to ensure that their favored projects were fast-tracked, resulting in unfair advantages for certain developers and expediters who were willing to pay for special treatment. These actions not only jeopardized the integrity of the city’s fire safety inspections but also raised concerns about public safety, as some buildings may not have undergone the rigorous scrutiny required by law.

The Role of the Expediting Business

The expediting business at the heart of this case was owned by a retired firefighter who had deep connections within the FDNY. Expediters, often hired by developers, play a key role in navigating bureaucratic hurdles for construction projects, including securing permits and scheduling inspections. In this case, the owner of the expediting business allegedly acted as a middleman, facilitating the payments to Saccavino and Cordasco in exchange for the expedited treatment of their clients’ projects.

Prosecutors allege that Saccavino and Cordasco received at least $190,000 in bribes over the course of the scheme. These payments were made in exchange for moving their clients’ inspections to the top of the queue and ensuring that fire code requirements were met without delay. The indictment also accuses the two former chiefs of lying to federal investigators during the course of the investigation, which began after whistleblowers within the FDNY raised concerns about the expedited inspections.

Federal Investigation and Charges

The federal investigation into this bribery scheme was initiated after whistleblowers within the FDNY alerted authorities to suspicious activities involving the Fire Prevention Bureau. These concerns were further substantiated by complaints from developers and industry professionals who questioned why certain projects were receiving faster inspections while others were delayed for weeks or even months.

As part of the investigation, federal agents obtained records of financial transactions and communications between Saccavino, Cordasco, and the owner of the expediting business. These records revealed a pattern of payments and correspondences indicating a quid-pro-quo arrangement. In some instances, Saccavino and Cordasco are alleged to have falsely claimed that certain buildings were part of a City Hall List, a tool used by government officials to prioritize projects of significant public interest. The federal indictment reveals that the two former FDNY chiefs exploited this tool to benefit clients of the expediting business, lying to cover their tracks.

In addition to the bribery charges and conspiracy charges, Saccavino and Cordasco face charges of wire fraud and making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences, along with substantial fines. The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy alone carry maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison each, while the bribery and false statement charges could add to their potential sentences.

Reaction from the FDNY and Public Officials

The indictment of two high-ranking former FDNY officials has sent shockwaves through the department and the city. The FDNY, widely regarded as one of the most trusted institutions in New York, now faces scrutiny over how this scheme could have persisted for so long without detection. The Fire Prevention Bureau, which plays a critical role in ensuring that buildings comply with fire safety regulations, is responsible for preventing fires and safeguarding the lives of millions of New Yorkers.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh issued a statement expressing her deep concern about the allegations and assuring the public that the department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity. “The actions of these two individuals do not reflect the values of the FDNY,” Kavanagh said. “We will continue to cooperate fully with the federal investigation, and we are taking steps to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”

Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in on the scandal, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in all city agencies. “Corruption in any form is unacceptable, and it undermines the trust that New Yorkers place in their public servants,” Adams stated. “We will work closely with federal authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and we will implement additional safeguards to prevent future misconduct.”

Implications for Fire Safety and Public Trust

The indictment of Saccavino and Cordasco raises serious concerns about the integrity of fire safety inspections in New York City. The FDNY is responsible for ensuring that buildings meet rigorous safety standards to prevent fire hazards, and any compromise in this process could have devastating consequences for public safety. The actions of these two former chiefs not only violated the law but also placed the public at risk by prioritizing profit over safety.

Moving forward, the FDNY and city officials are expected to implement new oversight measures to prevent future instances of bribery and corruption. This case has highlighted the need for greater transparency in the inspection process and more stringent safeguards to ensure that all buildings are subject to the same level of scrutiny, regardless of the influence or connections of their owners.

Conclusion

The indictment of Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco marks a significant chapter in the fight against corruption within New York City’s public safety agencies. Their alleged actions, which involved accepting bribes in exchange for expedited fire safety inspections, have not only damaged the reputation of the FDNY but also raised concerns about the potential risks to public safety. As the legal process unfolds, the city will be watching closely to see how these two former chiefs are held accountable for their actions.

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