FDNY Inspector Accused of Accepting Bribes, Ignoring Violations

Authorities say a New York City Fire Department inspector is accused of accepting bribes from day care centers in exchange for certifying that they complied with safety standards.

FDNY Supervising Inspector Carlos Montoya was arrested on charges he played a role in a $1 million day care fraud scheme. Authorities say Montoya accepted thousands of dollars to ignore or minimize fire safety violations at Brooklyn day care centers.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara says Montoya’s actions could have endangered the children.

A call to a phone number listed for the 54-year-old Brooklyn man went unanswered Friday night. His lawyer’s name was not immediately available.

Sixteen other people have been arrested in the probe of day care centers led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the city Department of Investigation.