Ex-FDNY Chief Sentenced to 20 Months in Bribery Case

A former high-ranking New York Fire Department official who was charged in a federal bribery probe received his sentencing this week.

Brian Cordasco was sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in the exchange of bribes for fast-tracked inspections, NBC New York reported. He will also have two years of supervised release, be fined $100,000 as well as forced to forfeit another $57,000 he took in bribes.

Cordasco pleaded guilty in October to conspiring to solicit and receive bribes.

According to the lawsuit, Cordasco and another former FDNY chief, Anthony Saccavino, raked in $190,000 with their bribery scheme. From 2021 to 2023, they used their posts at the top of the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention to fast-track building inspections and reviews in exchange for cash.

They allegedly worked with a third individual, a retired firefighter who led an “expediting” business. The two FDNY chiefs served as silent partners in the business, receiving 30 percent in kickbacks for the inspections they helped expedite.

Prosecutors found about 30 instances of fast-tracked inspections and reviews expedited by Cardasco and Saccavino. The scheme came to an end in early 2023 after a “falling out” with the third co-conspirator, who allegedly failed to pay the other two outstanding bribes.

Following the sentencing, the attorney representing Cardasco referred to it as a “sad and troubling day,” adding, “I’m glad he’s on his way home.”

Both initially pleaded not guilty to the charges they faced. Saccavino switched to a guilty plea in January on charges of conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe; he will be sentenced next month.

“Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically,” Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said in a statement last month. “Anything less will not be tolerated. The Department will fully cooperate with any ongoing investigations. Keeping New Yorkers safe remains our top priority.”

— Holden Walter-Warner