Former Margate vice mayor, campaign treasurer accused of violating election law

FEC finds probable cause for numerous violations in connection with November 2012 election

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

MARGATE, Fla. – The Florida Elections Commission has found probable cause for 19 violations of the Florida Ethics Code against former Margate Vice Mayor and Commissioner David McLean, and 62 counts against his campaign treasurer, Michael Natale.

Broward Inspector General John W. Scott said 18 of the 19 violations against McLean "involved the willful certification of campaign finance reports known to be incorrect, false or incomplete."

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He said the other violations involved the "disposition of his surplus campaign funds following the November 2012 election."

According to a complaint filed by the Broward Office of the Inspector General, McLean allowed Natale to receive more than $900 in surplus campaign funds after the election.

The complaint also accuses the men of inaccurately filling out campaign treasurer's reports, "making and accepting a $400 cash contribution
made in the name of Mr. Natale's sister but without her knowledge and permission, and writing campaign account checks on at least three occasions when there were insufficient funds to cover them."

According to the complaint, Natale claimed not to know the whereabouts of any campaign finance-related documents, although Florida law requires him to retain those documents for four years after an election.

McLean and Natale have 30 days to request a formal hearing before the Commission or the Division of Administrative Hearings.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.