Trending Topics

Former FDNY chiefs charged in prevention corruption case

Two former chiefs in the prevention bureau allegedly solicited and accepted bribes from at least 2021 through 2023

NYC Corruption Fire Chiefs

This combo of Feb. 7, 2023 images provided by the Fire Department of the City of New York, shows Brian Cordasco, left, and Anthony Saccavino, two former NYFD chiefs arrested Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, on charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to provide preferential treatment in the department’s fire prevention bureau.

Fire Department of the City of New York via AP

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Two former New York City Fire Department chiefs were in custody Monday on charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to provide preferential treatment in the department’s fire prevention bureau.

Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco were arrested on bribery, corruption and false statements charges alleging that they solicited and accepted the bribe payments from at least 2021 through 2023, authorities said.


FBI raided the homes of two chiefs accused of taking bribes to fast-track inspections

Their lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment prior to their appearances in Manhattan federal court.

Federal authorities said they would give more details about the case during a news conference on Monday.

The arrests come amid a widening corruption investigation of New York City’s government.

Over the weekend, the top legal adviser to Mayor Eric Adams abruptly resigned. That came days after the head of the New York Police Department resigned after federal investigators seized his phone.

An indictment against the men said they were former chiefs for the New York City Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention. The bureau is responsible for regulating the installation of fire safety and suppression systems throughout New York City and ensuring fire safety regulations are obeyed.

It said they were charged with conspiracy to solicit a bribe, solicitation and receive of a bribe, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and making false statements in connection with a scheme to solicit and accept tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for providing preferential treatment to certain individuals and companies.

Don’t tarnish the badge

Trending
As shots rang out during the deadly Canfield Mountain ambush, a Northern Lakes battalion chief’s calm and decisive 911 calls helped guide a complex response
Flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal’s remnants displaced over 60 people in central North Carolina, prompting more than 50 water rescues in Chapel Hill
More than 80 people are confirmed dead, including 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, after catastrophic flooding swept through central Texas over the July Fourth weekend
Amid the grief and devastation of survivors, many are sharing the courageous efforts of first responders, fellow residents, family members and even camp counselors who put their lives on the line to save others