FDNY Chiefs Charged in City Hall Bribery Scheme
Two former high-ranking members of the FDNY, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, have been charged with participating in a bribery scheme that involved expediting fire inspections for favored building owners in exchange for illegal off-the-books payments totaling nearly $200,000. The scheme, uncovered by federal prosecutors, exploited a City Hall practice of fast-tracking inspections for select individuals, including wealthy donors to Mayor Adams.
Saccavino and Cordasco allegedly collaborated with a former firefighter acting as an “expediter” to facilitate approvals for fire safety systems needed for new spaces and buildings to open. In return, property owners who received expedited inspections reportedly funneled cash to the two ex-FDNY chiefs, sometimes within the FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn and sometimes at upscale steakhouse dinners in Manhattan. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams characterized this behavior as classic pay-to-play corruption that will not be tolerated.
City Hall’s Controversial “DMO List”
The bribery scheme coincided with the existence of a controversial program within the FDNY known as the “DMO List,” initiated during former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration to accelerate inspections for schools, hospitals, and homeless shelters. At a time when mandatory inspections for fire alarms and suppression systems typically took eight to 10 weeks to complete, the DMO List prioritized certain projects, including those involving high-profile entities like real estate developer SL Green, Amazon, Meta, and Hudson Yards.
According to authorities, the pandemic exacerbated the backlog of inspection requests, leading to a surge in demand for expedited services. While Mayor Eric Adams denied the existence of the DMO list, court documents referenced its operation, indicating that City Hall officials directed the Bureau of Fire Prevention to prioritize projects listed on the DMO List.
Investigation and Consequences
The investigation into the alleged bribery scheme began in Spring 2023 when FDNY officials alerted the city’s Department of Investigation of possible misconduct. Subsequently, Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber stated that while there was no evidence of compromised fire safety, the FDNY conducted reinspections at approximately 30 locations linked to the scheme.
One key figure in the scandal, expediter Henry Santiago Jr., has cooperated with authorities and pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement. Former Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh resigned in response to the unfolding scandal and was temporarily replaced by Robert Tucker, who emphasized the FDNY’s commitment to honesty and ethics.
Authorities underscored that the investigation remains ongoing, with a determination to address corruption within the government comprehensively. U.S. Attorney Williams urged anyone with knowledge of corrupt activities to step forward and align themselves with the law.
In conclusion, the charges against the former FDNY chiefs shine a light on the intersection of power, influence, and corruption within the city’s administrative systems. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and transparency in public service to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.