Anthony Saccavino, a former high-ranking official in the New York City Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Prevention, has pleaded guilty to charges of bribery conspiracy. The announcement was made by Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Saccavino admitted his guilt before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman and is set to be sentenced on May 14, 2025.
"Anthony Saccavino betrayed the City agency he was chosen to lead by repeatedly selling access to the Bureau of Fire Prevention’s services in a pay-to-play bribery scheme," stated U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon. "This Office will continue to ensure that City officials who place their own interests above those of the public will be held accountable."
According to court documents and statements, between 2021 and 2023, Saccavino abused his position by soliciting and receiving $190,000 in bribes from Henry Santiago Jr., a former FDNY firefighter. In return, Saccavino expedited inspections and plan reviews for Santiago's clients within the Bureau of Fire Prevention. As part of this scheme, Saccavino personally gained $57,000 and misled his subordinates as well as law enforcement about his actions.
Saccavino has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe, which could result in a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He has also agreed to forfeit $57,000 under his plea agreement.
The case is being managed by the Public Corruption Unit with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Matthew King, and Daniel H. Wolf leading the prosecution efforts.
The investigation involved significant contributions from both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation.
For those with information related to bribery or other illegal activities involving FDNY or BFP employees, contact squad6complaint@doi.nyc.gov or (212) 825-2402. Those involved are encouraged to self-disclose through the SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program at USANYS.WBP@usdoj.gov.