Federal prosecutors have charged Miami defense attorney David Macey with leading a bribery conspiracy. He is accused of bribing two former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) supervisors with cash and gifts in exchange for confidential information about ongoing drug investigations. These actions could compromise both the cases and the investigators. WSVN reported that the charges were revealed by Macey's defense attorney, David Patton, and that Macey is scheduled for a court appearance tomorrow.

Patton stated, "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," rejecting the government's allegations. The indictment also highlights the competitive nature of Miami's defense attorneys, some of whom represent suspected narcotraffickers. CBS News Miami reported that prosecutors have called Macey a "crooked attorney" who "paid handsomely for DEA secrets."

Federal prosecutors claim Macey and fellow Miami lawyer Luis Guerra facilitated the bribery. A judge authorized the review of nearly 1,000 communications between the lawyers and Manny Recio, a former DEA agent turned private investigator. Despite attorney-client confidentiality, the communications were reviewed under the crime-fraud exception, indicating the serious nature of the case.

In an intercepted conversation, Guerra was heard saying, "We're here scheming about how we're going to make money, money, money," as mentioned in CBS News Miami report. Guerra has not been charged, and his attorney has not commented. The communication involved former enforcement officers, following the convictions of Recio and another former DEA agent, John Costanzo Jr., in 2023. Both are serving time for bribery and wire fraud, stemming from a series of misconduct cases involving DEA agents in corruption.

Also linked to the case is Edwin Pagan, a DEA task force officer and Coral Gables police officer. He faces charges of bribery and perjury, with his trial set for August. Pagan is accused of lying under oath during the 2023 trial of his associates. He pleaded not guilty, but the larger case highlights issues of corruption within law enforcement.