Former FDNY official Anthony Saccavino has been sentenced to three years in prison following his role in a bribery conspiracy within the department's Bureau of Fire Prevention, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton announced. Saccavino, who pled guilty in January to charges stemming from the scheme that spanned two years, has also been hit with a $150,000 fine and will face two years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
"Anthony Saccavino undermined the New York City Fire Department, an institution he swore to serve," Clayton stated. According to information from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, Saccavino allegedly led a "pay-to-play" bribery scheme, soliciting over $190,000 in bribes to improperly expedite departmental procedures. The former chief directly pocketed $57,000 of that amount, and has been ordered to pay the same in forfeiture.
The conspiracy involved former FDNY firefighter Henry Santiago, Jr., who, in exchange for bribes, benefited from expedited fire inspections and plan reviews for his own clients. Saccavino, along with another FDNY official, Brian Cordasco, misused their authority to fast-track these processes. When questioned by authorities, Saccavino compounded his misconduct by lying to both his BFP subordinates and law enforcement investigators.
The case marks a significant breach of trust within a public safety institution renowned for its integrity. Anyone with knowledge of similar illegal activities is encouraged to contact the Department of Investigation, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's release. In efforts to thoroughly uncover and to swiftly address such illicit activities, the office also promotes its Whistleblower Pilot Program as a means for involved parties to come forward.
In response to Saccavino's sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commended the coordinated efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Matthew King, and Daniel H. Wolf of the Public Corruption Unit, acknowledging their dedication to upholding the law and deterring corruption within city services.
