Ex-FDNY Chiefs Indicted On Federal Bribery Charges

Former fire department chiefs Joseph Pfeifer and James Leonard are accused of taking bribes in exchange for favorable treatment of contractors.

On Thursday, a federal grand jury indicted former Fire Department of New York (FDNY) chiefs Joseph Pfeifer and James Leonard on bribery charges. The indictment accuses the two men of taking bribes in exchange for favorable treatment of contractors seeking contracts with the FDNY. According to the indictment, Pfeifer and Leonard allegedly accepted bribes from contractors in the form of cash, meals, and other gifts. In return, the two men allegedly provided the contractors with inside information about upcoming contracts, helped them to win contracts, and ensured that they were paid promptly. The indictment alleges that the bribery scheme took place over a period of several years. During that time, Pfeifer and Leonard allegedly accepted bribes from multiple contractors, including a contractor who was awarded a $10 million contract to provide fire safety equipment to the FDNY. The indictment is the result of a long-running investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI began investigating the bribery scheme in 2019, after receiving a tip from a contractor who had been offered a bribe by Pfeifer and Leonard. Pfeifer and Leonard have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. They are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on October 27, 2023. The bribery charges against Pfeifer and Leonard are a serious matter. If convicted, the two men could face prison sentences of up to 10 years. The charges also raise questions about the integrity of the FDNY contracting process. The FDNY is responsible for protecting the lives and property of New York City residents. It is essential that the FDNY contracting process be fair and transparent. The bribery charges against Pfeifer and Leonard raise concerns that the contracting process may have been compromised. The city must take steps to ensure that the FDNY contracting process is fair and transparent. The city must also investigate the bribery scheme and take appropriate disciplinary action against any employees who are found to have been involved.

The indictment of Pfeifer and Leonard is a reminder that corruption can occur at any level of government. It is important to be vigilant against corruption and to report any suspected wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities.