Florida governor suspends indicted Margate commissioner

David McLean charged with bribery

David McLean is a former vice mayor and commissioner in Margate.

MARGATE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Rick Scott suspended a Margate commissioner indicted on bribery charges.

Scott signed the executive order suspending David McLean Friday. The indictment charged McLean, 50, with three counts of bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds.

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"The Executive Order of Suspension directs that David McLean is prohibited from performing any official act, duty, or function of public office; from receiving any pay or allowance; and from being entitled to any of the emoluments or privileges of public office during the period of suspension, which period shall be from today, until a further Executive Order is issued, or as otherwise provided by law," a news release from city officials stated.

McLean's indictment involves his most recent business, Dave's Tiki Bar on State Road 7 in the city. The FBI alleges McLean used his influence in the city to assist Kris Singh, his landlord, in getting an occupational license and pay liens for cash. He is also accused of helping Singh get a Community Redevelopment Agency grant in which the price of work done was inflated so they could pocket the difference. 

In all, McLean accepted $6,000 in cash on three separate occasions.

Singh cooperated with the FBI and is the lead witness in the case. He told Local 10's Bob Norman that McLean owed him thousands for rent that he never paid.

Ed McGee, McLean's attorney, issued a statement, saying: "He has pled not guilty and we are anxious to see the government's case."

McLean surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was released after posting $50,000 bail. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years on each of the three counts.