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FDNY chiefs under investigation in potential corruption probe, department confirms
By
Elizabeth Kim
,
David Brand
and
Michelle Bocanegra
Published Feb 15, 2024
Modified Feb 15, 2024
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By
Elizabeth Kim
,
David Brand
and
Michelle Bocanegra
Published Feb 15, 2024
Modified Feb 15, 2024
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New York City officials confirmed that two chiefs are being investigated in connection with a corruption probe after the FBI had raided homes affiliated with both men and city investigators searched their FDNY offices.
The two chiefs, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, have not been accused of wrongdoing, according to the New York Times, which first reported on the raids. The paper said the investigation was connected to a scheme in which the men were paid $100,000 to expedite safety inspections.
In response to the Times’ story, an FDNY spokesperson said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh alerted the city’s Department of Investigation last fall after she heard allegations about two employees.
“The FDNY’s first priority is always keeping New Yorkers safe, and we expect every member of the department to act appropriately,” said Amanda Farinacci, a spokesperson for the FDNY, in a statement. “As soon as Commissioner Kavanagh was alerted to these allegations last fall, she immediately referred them to [Department of Investigation] to investigate them.”
When asked about the raids, FBI officials said the agency carried out law enforcement activity at a Staten Island home and Upper Manhattan apartment associated with Cordasco and Saccavino respectively, according to property records.
The two employees at the center of the investigation have been placed on modified duty, according to the FDNY.
“We are awaiting guidance from DOI regarding further action,” Farinacci added.
The investigation comes as Mayor Eric Adams and the FDNY face scrutiny over the process for prioritizing fire safety reviews on behalf of well-connected developers and political campaign donors. It is unclear if the investigation is related to a probe into Adams’ campaign.
“City Hall became aware of this operation when we were notified by FDNY this morning," said Adams spokesperson Charles Lutvak. "The FDNY continues to cooperate with DOI, and there is no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York did not comment.
Saccavino was promoted to chief of the FDNY’s Fire Prevention Bureau following the demotion of the previous chief, Joseph Jardin. In a 2023 lawsuit, Jardin said he was demoted in retaliation for complaining about “corruption in favor of major real estate developers.”
Cordasco complained about the alleged favoritism in emails from 2022 that were obtained by Gothamist.
This story has been updated with new information.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
Politics
eric adams
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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David Brand
David is a reporter covering housing for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 908-310-3960.
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Michelle Bocanegra
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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