Bribery charges filed against Margate commissioner

Indictment filed against David McLean

MARGATE, Fla. ā€“ A Margate city commissioner was indicted on federal bribery charges, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

The indictment charged 50-year-old David McLean with three counts of bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds.

According to the indictment, McLean accepted $6,000 in cash on three separate occasions for his influence on two Margate Community Redevelopment Agency Board construction grants and a city occupational license from the owner of a strip mall where McLean rented space for his business. He also received breaks on his rent on the business.

"Public officials who sell their office and their influence to line their own pockets with cash undermine the good work of all hard-working public servants, who labor for the public good," said Wifredo Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. "That is why corruption in government, at any level, will simply not be tolerated."

"Investigating public corruption remains one of the FBI's top priorities. This indictment represents our commitment to investigate corrupt acts and the individuals who are behind them," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Scott A. Gilbert, FBI Miami Division.Ā "We encourage anyone who may have information about corruption to come forward and report it."Ā 

Bond for McLean was set at $50,000. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years on each count.Ā 

City officials said no other elected officials were involved and no city, state, or federal funds were misappropriated.