By Christian M. Wade
The Tampa Tribune (Florida)

TAMPA, Fla. — Nearly a year ago, authorities began probing the Tampa Fire Marshal's Office amid claims that fire inspectors were accepting inappropriate gifts from a sprinkler company.

That investigation is now in the hands of the FBI, which is looking into allegations that at least three fire inspectors accepted gifts from Advanced Engineered Systems, a company that installs fire alarm systems in large buildings.

"We are trying to determine if there are any prosecutable issues," Dave Couvatier, an agency spokesman, said Wednesday. He declined to discuss details of the investigation, but said the agency is working on it with the Tampa Police Department, which initiated the probe.

In the past year, three longtime fire inspectors have left the fire marshal's office amid an inquiry concerning gifts from the company and questioning information on their timecards.

Carlos Llerandi was demoted in January because he accepted a hockey ticket from the company. He later resigned.

Toy K. Pelaez is accused of accepting hockey tickets from the company. Manuel T. Perrone is accused of accepting concert and hockey tickets and getting free golf and the use of a 30-foot Sea Ray boat provided by the company. Both resigned in December.

All three men were in charge of reviewing the company's work plans and permits.

Fire union officials labeled the city's investigation a "witch hunt" and said inspectors didn't get anything in return for the gifts. No other inspectors were named in the city's probe.

Company owner Greg Thomas said, "We have been cleared of any wrongdoing by the authorities," but would not further discuss the matter or say whether he or other company officials had been contacted or questioned by federal investigators.

Inspectors ensure buildings meet fire codes. Some focus on new construction and others on existing buildings. They determine whether buildings require sprinkler systems and check that fire exits are well-marked and fire doors close properly, among other duties.

Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said he wasn't aware the investigation had been turned over to the FBI but said no other inspectors have been disciplined.

He said the buildings the fire inspectors were responsible for were re-inspected and determined to be safe.

"As far as we could determine, there was no quid quo pro," Wade said.

Copyright 2008, The Tampa Tribune