NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A former FDNY chief pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to solicit and accept bribes in exchange for expediting inspections for businesses, prosecutors announced.
Anthony Saccavino, 59, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also agreed to forfeit $57,000, according to Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
"Anthony Saccavino betrayed the city agency he was entrusted to lead by repeatedly selling access to the Bureau of Fire Prevention's services in a pay-to-play bribery scheme," Sassoon said. "This office will continue to ensure that city officials who place their own interests above those of the public are held accountable."
Saccavino and former Deputy Assistant Chief Brian Cordasco were indicted last year on charges of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and lying to the FBI. From 2021 to 2023, Saccavino allegedly accepted $190,000 in bribes from retired firefighter Henry Santiago Jr., who ran an "expediting business." In exchange, Saccavino and Cordasco fast-tracked fire prevention inspections and plan reviews for Santiago's clients.
The scheme took advantage of a backlog in fire alarm and suppression system inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Santiago charged clients thousands of dollars for quicker approvals, with the chiefs each receiving a 30% cut.
Santiago, who had a falling out with the chiefs in 2023, pleaded guilty in September 2024 and cooperated with prosecutors. Authorities said the scheme affected about 30 properties, though there is no evidence it compromised fire safety.
