Ex-FDNY Chief Sentenced To 20 Months in Prison for Taking Bribes

Former FDNY Chief Brian Cordasco will serve 20 months behind bars after pocketing nearly $200,000 in bribes for fast-tracking fire inspections.

Key Takeaways

Brian Cordasco received a 20-month prison sentence for taking $190,000 in bribes to expedite fire safety inspections during 2020 health emergency delays.
The former chief with an “impeccable” firefighting record exploited his position at the Bureau of Fire Prevention after his 2020 promotion.
Cordasco’s supervisor, Anthony Saccavino, was also implicated in the scheme and awaits sentencing.
The court ordered Cordasco to pay $157,000 in restitution and fines, plus serve two years of supervised release.
The case highlights potential broader corruption issues in NYC, as Mayor Adams faces unrelated bribery accusations involving FDNY safety precautions.

From Respected Firefighter to Convicted Felon

Manhattan Federal Judge Lewis Liman sentenced Brian Cordasco, former FDNY chief, to 20 months in prison for orchestrating a bribery scheme that netted him $190,000. The corruption involved expediting fire safety inspections for businesses willing to pay cash during delays. Judge Liman emphasized the severity of Cordasco’s actions, describing it as “a very serious crime” motivated by greed. The once-respected firefighter with what was described as an “impeccable” record tarnished his legacy after being promoted to the Bureau of Fire Protection in 2020.

Cordasco admitted to taking bribes between 2021 and 2023, pleading guilty to conspiring to solicit and receive bribes. The scheme was particularly damaging as it exploited the inspection backlog created during the 2020 health emergency. Rather than ensuring all businesses received fair treatment, Cordasco created a pay-to-play system that undermined public safety protocols and trust in the department. His sentence includes two years of supervised release following imprisonment and a recommendation to serve his term at low-security facilities near New York City.

Former high-ranking FDNY official sentenced to 20 months in prison for role in bribery conspiracyhttps://t.co/sXJPq5MiPR

— US Attorney SDNY (@SDNYnews) March 31, 2025

Operation of the Bribery Scheme

Cordasco and his supervisor, Anthony Saccavino, operated as silent partners in a business specifically designed to expedite reviews and inspections for clients willing to pay premium prices. The pair received 30% kickbacks from this arrangement while using their official positions to ensure preferential treatment. This corrupt practice primarily benefited high-end restaurants and hotels seeking placement on City Hall’s inspection “VIP list.” When interviewed by the FBI in February 2024, both men allegedly lied about their involvement, further compounding their legal troubles.

The scheme continued for years until authorities uncovered the operation. Both men retired from the FDNY before the indictment was released, attempting to avoid the full consequences of their actions. Cordasco and Saccavino faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to solicit and receive bribes and honest services wire fraud. While Cordasco has now been sentenced, Saccavino’s case remains pending, with his attorney claiming wrongful accusations and suggesting potential connections to City Hall corruption.

Financial Penalties and Broader Corruption Concerns

The court ordered Cordasco to pay $157,000 in restitution and fines, including forfeiting $57,000 in bribes. While his attorney, David Stern, requested house arrest instead of imprisonment, citing Cordasco’s public service history, prosecutors pushed for a longer sentence. Assistant US Attorney Jessica Greenwood emphasized that Cordasco’s actions stemmed purely from greed, noting his generous salary of nearly $250,000 and pension benefits should have been sufficient. The judge delayed sentencing to allow Cordasco to attend his son’s graduation.

The case raises broader concerns about corruption within New York City government. Cordasco’s attorney suggested his client might have been influenced by City Hall’s culture, highlighting potential systemic issues. Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker emphasized that all FDNY members take sworn oaths to conduct themselves honestly and ethically, stating that anything less “will not be tolerated.”