Former NYC Fire Chief Pleads Guilty in $190,000 Bribery Scandal
In a shocking turn of events, Anthony Saccavino, a former chief of the New York City Fire Department, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge on Wednesday. Saccavino admitted to accepting $190,000 in bribes to expedite safety inspections for customers of a former city firefighter.
Saccavino, who led the Bureau of Fire Prevention during the time of the crimes, entered his plea in Manhattan federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14, with a plea agreement recommending a five-year prison term.
The scandal unfolded when Saccavino was arrested in September alongside Brian Cordasco, another former fire chief who pleaded guilty in October. Cordasco’s sentencing is set for March.The arrests occurred amid multiple federal corruption probes targeting members of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. However, Cordasco’s case is not believed to be connected to these investigations.
Mayor Adams, a Democrat, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he accepted $100,000 in free or discounted international flights, hotel stays, meals, and entertainment in exchange for illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and members of the Turkish business community.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention, which Saccavino once headed, plays a critical role in regulating the installation of fire safety and suppression systems across New York City. Authorities revealed that saccavino lied to his subordinates to justify rushing improper inspection requests.
As part of the plea deal, Saccavino must forfeit the $57,000 in bribes he received before the scheme was uncovered. The scheme reportedly ran from 2021 to 2023.In a statement,Saccavino’s attorney,Joseph Caldarera,said his client “made a difficult decision to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge,prioritizing his family’s well-being.” Caldarera added, “He respects the judicial process and believes this course of action is in the best interest of his loved ones.”
| Key Details | Details |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Defendant | Anthony Saccavino |
| Role | Former Chief, Bureau of Fire Prevention |
| Charge | Conspiracy to accept bribes |
| Bribe Amount | $190,000 |
| Forfeiture | $57,000 |
| Plea Agreement | 5-year prison term recommended |
| Sentencing Date | May 14, 2025 |
| Co-Defendant | Brian Cordasco (pleaded guilty in October) |
| Scheme Duration | 2021–2023 |
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of public corruption within New York City’s administration and raises questions about the integrity of its fire safety oversight.
For more details on the corruption probes involving Mayor eric Adams, visit this link.
Stay informed about the latest developments in this case and other federal investigations by following trusted news sources.
Interview with Anthony Saccavino’s Attorney, Joseph Caldarera
Editor: Mr. Caldarera, can you provide some context on why your client, Anthony Saccavino, decided to plead guilty to the conspiracy charge?
Joseph Caldarera: Certainly. Anthony made a difficult decision to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge, prioritizing his family’s well-being. He respects the judicial process and believes this course of action is in the best interest of his loved ones. This was not an easy choice,but he is committed to taking duty for his actions and moving forward.
Editor: What were the primary factors that influenced this decision?
Joseph Caldarera: The primary factors were the evidence presented against him and the desire to minimize the impact on his family. Pleading guilty allows him to avoid a potentially lengthy trial and the associated stress and uncertainty. Additionally, the plea agreement includes a recommended 5-year prison term, which provides some clarity and allows him to prepare for the future.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the $57,000 forfeiture as part of the plea deal?
Joseph caldarera: The $57,000 forfeiture represents the amount Anthony received in bribes before the scheme was uncovered. This forfeiture is a standard part of such agreements and ensures that any ill-gotten gains are returned. It’s part of Anthony’s commitment to rectifying his actions and accepting the consequences.
Editor: How does Anthony feel about the role he played as the former Chief of the bureau of Fire Prevention?
Joseph Caldarera: Anthony deeply regrets the actions that led to this situation.He acknowledges the critical role the Bureau of Fire Prevention plays in ensuring fire safety across New York City. He is remorseful for any damage his actions may have caused to the integrity of the bureau and the trust of the public.
Editor: What are your thoughts on the broader implications of this case for public corruption in New York City?
Joseph Caldarera: This case underscores the ongoing challenges of public corruption within New York City’s management. It raises important questions about the integrity of fire safety oversight and the measures in place to prevent such misconduct. While Anthony’s actions were regrettable,it’s crucial to recognize the need for systemic reforms to address these issues effectively.
Editor: what would you say to those who are following this case and are concerned about the integrity of public officials?
Joseph Caldarera: I would encourage everyone to stay informed about the latest developments in this case and other federal investigations by following trusted news sources. It’s important to hold public officials accountable and to advocate for clarity and integrity in governance. Anthony’s case is a reminder of the consequences of corruption and the importance of upholding ethical standards.
Conclusion
in this interview, Joseph Caldarera, the attorney for Anthony Saccavino, provided insights into the decision to plead guilty, the factors influencing this choice, and the broader implications of the case for public corruption in New York City. The interview highlights the complexities of navigating such cases while emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to ensure integrity in public administration.
