Two ex-fire chiefs in New York City arrested in corruption scandal

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Two former New York City Fire Department chiefs have pleaded not guilty to charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to provide preferential treatment in the department’s fire prevention bureau. Authorities announced bribery, corruption and false statements charges on Monday against Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco. They were each freed on $250,000 bail. Saccavino’s lawyer called the charges “surprising and distressing” and pledged to vigorously contest them. A lawyer for Cordasco called it a “sad and troubling day.” The arrests come amid a widening corruption investigation of New York City’s government.