In a notable turn of events, former Director of the Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) at the New York City Fire Department, Brian Cordasco, is preparing to plead guilty in a corruption case, potentially aiming for a lighter sentence. Cordasco has been accused of using his position to grant favors in exchange for benefits and was arrested last month. His co-defendant, Anthony Sacavino, also a former director, has yet to respond in court.
On September 30, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York filed a supplemental memorandum indicating that Cordasco is in active negotiations with prosecutors and has “agreed to accept a plea deal.” According to the specifics of the agreement, he will plead guilty to conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe, while prosecutors will drop four additional charges against him.
Both Cordasco and Sacavino are retired officials who once oversaw the installation and inspection of fire safety systems in commercial and residential buildings, ensuring compliance with safety regulations before occupancy. Given their overwhelming workload, applicants in New York City often endure long processing times. Between 2021 and 2023, Cordasco and Sacavino allegedly took advantage of this demand for their own financial gain.
The indictment reveals that the pair solicited bribes from a retired firefighter operating a “fast-track” business, which promised quicker approvals for fire inspections—for a fee. Together, the three men are said to have made over $190,000 in illicit earnings.
Cordasco and Sacavino each face five charges. Under the terms of Cordasco’s plea agreement, he could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge he is admitting to. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors have agreed to dismiss the other four charges against him, which include soliciting and receiving a bribe, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and making false statements—each carrying potential sentences ranging from ten to twenty years.
