David L. McCain

David Lucius McCain (July 23, 1931 – November 11, 1986) was a Justice of the Florida Supreme Court from December 14, 1970 to August 31, 1975,[1] when he resigned after being caught taking bribes. He then became a drug smuggler, and was for several years a fugitive, until his death.[2]

Born in Sebastian, Florida,[1] McCain graduated from the University of Florida in 1955 and entered the practice of law, where he was successful as a trial lawyer. In 1966, he joined the Republican Party to support the candidacy of Claude R. Kirk Jr., who won the gubernatorial race and appointed McCain to the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal.[2] McCain ran for a seat on the Florida Supreme Court in 1968, but was defeated by Justice Adkins.[3] When Justice Thornall died two years later, Governor appointed McCain to that seat.[3] McCain was discovered to be taking bribes, and resigned from the court days before the beginning of an impeachment trial. He was then disbarred, and became involved in drug smuggling. He was indicted on four felony counts and skipped bail in 1983, becoming a fugitive for the remainder of his life.[2][4]

While living under the name "Thomas Mills",[5] McCain discovered that he had cancer, and contemplated turning himself in, but died before he had the chance, in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 55.[2][1]

References

1. Erik Robinson, "Florida Supreme Court Justices: List of Life Dates", Florida Supreme Court Historical Society (June 2010).
2. Dave von Drehle and Mary Jo Tierney, "The rise and fall of McCain", The Miami Herald (November 24, 1986), p. 1A, 7A.
3. Joseph A. Boyd Jr., Randall Reder, "A History of the Florida Supreme Court", University of Miami Law Review (1981), p. 1062.
5. Investigators Confirm Dead Man is Fugitive Former Justice, by the Associated Press; published November 13, 1986