Ex-FDNY Chief Gets Prison Time in Bribery Case

Ex-FDNY Chief Brian Cordasco has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in a nearly $200,000 bribery scheme.

Quick Takes

Ex-Chief Cordasco’s bribery scheme, which involved fast-tracking inspections, earned him and his accomplice $190,000.
The scheme took advantage of the backlog of inspections in the early 2020s.
Cordasco was sentenced to 20 months in person and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, after which he will serve two years of supervised release.
His supervisor, Anthony Saccavino, has yet to be sentenced for his involvement in the scheme.

Bribery Scheme Unveiled

Former FDNY Chief Brian Cordasco was sentenced to 20 months in prison for a bribery operation that involved expediting safety inspections for businesses that paid him off. This scheme reportedly netted him $190,000, while his unethical practices resulted in a significant breach of public trust. His impeccable record as a firefighter was overshadowed when he ascended to the Bureau of Fire Protection in 2020.

During the trial, the judge underscored the betrayal to colleagues and the public, emphasizing it as a deterrent for similar actions. Cordasco exploited his authority and the 2020 health emergency’s challenges to line his pockets while additionally lying about his misconduct. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised release, with recommendations to serve at low-security facilities near New York City.

Ex-FDNY chief gets 20 months in prison for fast-tracking inspections in $200K pay-to-play bribery scheme https://t.co/7G0faudzE8 pic.twitter.com/8b4cxeV399

— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) March 31, 2025

Fall from Grace

Cordasco’s bribes from 2021 to 2023 led to his guilty plea for conspiracy charges. He admitted his wrongdoings and expressed remorse for letting down his colleagues. His supervisor, Anthony Saccavino, awaits sentencing. Together, they capitalized on a plan to package expedited reviews for high-end clients in return for kickbacks. The scandal exploited inspection backlogs in the early 2020s.

Assistant US Attorney Jessica Greenwood argued for a harsher sentence, stressing Cordasco’s repeated deceptions and greed despite his substantial income and pension. His annual $250,000 salary did not quench his avarice, as he publicly chastised City Hall for similar behavior. His efforts for a home sentence were dismissed, highlighting a betrayal of the vast responsibility his position entailed.

Corruption’s Ripple Effects

Cordasco’s conviction sent shockwaves through the city. His lawyers argued that his crimes may have been part of a larger culture of corruption in the city’s government. Cordasco is tasked with paying $157,000 in restitution, acknowledging the breadth of his misconduct.

“Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically. Anything less will not be tolerated. The Department will fully cooperate with any ongoing investigations. Keeping New Yorkers safe remains our top priority,” Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said in a previous statement. The breach of trust by a high-ranking official such as Cordasco underscores the necessity for vigilance in ensuring that public service is conducted with integrity and fidelity.