Miami defense attorney David Macey faces federal charges in a DEA bribery scandal that has sent shockwaves through the legal community.
At a Glance
- David Macey, a prominent Miami defense lawyer, is accused of bribing former DEA supervisors
- Prosecutors allege Macey provided cash and gifts in exchange for confidential drug investigation information
- The case highlights the competitive nature of Miami’s high-priced defense lawyers, known as the “white powder bar”
- Macey’s defense team claims the allegations are false and that he did not bribe anyone
- The indictment follows convictions of two former DEA officials in a related case
Allegations of Corruption
Federal prosecutors have leveled serious charges against Miami defense attorney David Macey, accusing him of orchestrating a bribery conspiracy involving former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) supervisors. The charges, which were initially under seal, allege that Macey provided cash and gifts, including coveted Yankees-Red Sox tickets, to obtain confidential information about ongoing drug investigations.
Miami-area defense attorney David Macey to surrender to feds in case tied to DEA bribery scheme https://t.co/HWu6i3n9VG
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) February 14, 2025
The case has shed light on the fiercely competitive environment among Miami’s high-priced defense lawyers, colloquially known as the “white powder bar” due to their frequent representation of clients in drug-related cases. Prosecutors have not minced words in their characterization of Macey’s alleged actions.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Macey’s defense team vehemently denies any wrongdoing. His attorney, David Patton, has come out strongly against the charges, asserting Macey’s innocence and professional integrity.
“David is a devoted father and husband and a highly respected attorney with an impeccable record as a member of the bar for nearly 30 years. He did not bribe anyone,” Patton’s team said in response to the allegations. “The government’s allegations are false, and we are confident that the evidence will prove his innocence at trial.”
Wider Implications
The indictment of Macey is not an isolated incident but part of a broader investigation that has already resulted in some convictions. In 2023, former DEA agent John Costanzo Jr. and private investigator Manny Recio, a former DEA agent himself, were found guilty of bribery and wire fraud in a related case.
The investigation has utilized unusual legal maneuvers, including invoking the crime-fraud exception to review communications between attorneys and Recio. This exception to attorney-client privilege underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the alleged corruption.
Evidence presented in related cases has painted a picture of a complex conspiracy. In one intercepted conversation, another lawyer allegedly involved in the scheme, Luis Guerra, was quoted as saying, “We’re here scheming about how we’re going to make money, money, money.” While Guerra has not been charged, such statements highlight the alleged motivations behind the bribery scheme.
We’ll report back as the case progresses.
