BALTIMORE, MD — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a $10,000 reward in the manhunt for Roy McGrath, a former Maryland state government official who failed to appear in court two weeks ago on federal theft and fraud charges.
An arrest warrant was issued for McGrath, the ex-chief of staff to former Gov. Larry Hogan, after he missed a March 13 arraignment ahead of his criminal trial. Authorities checked his home in Naples, Florida, but McGrath wasn’t there, the Baltimore Banner reported.
A day following his missed court date, the U.S. Marshals Service announced they were launching an interstate manhunt for McGrath, who was declared a fugitive. McGrath is also considered an international flight risk, according to the FBI.
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McGrath faces an eight-count federal indictment on charges of wire fraud, including securing a $233,648 severance payment equal to one year of salary as the head of Maryland Environmental Service, according to the Department of Justice. Authorities said McGrath falsified a document that appeared to be from Hogan approving the severance payment.
McGrath also faces fraud and embezzlement charges connected to roughly $170,000 in expenses, according to The Associated Press.
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Hogan appointed McGrath in 2016 as executive director of Maryland Environmental Service, a state-owned agency that provides environmental services to state and local government agencies, federal government entities, and private clients. McGrath resigned from the agency on May 31, 2020, and became Hogan’s chief of staff a day later.
According to court documents, McGrath is also accused of using his position as director and chief of staff to get Maryland Environmental Service to issue payments to himself.
Charges were filed against McGrath in fall 2021, the Banner reported. he was released pending trial and allowed to travel between Florida and Maryland. Other travel required approval by federal officials.
McGrath has pleaded not guilty.
Anyone with information regarding McGrath’s whereabouts should not take action and immediately call the FBI’s toll-free tipline at 800-225-5324 or the U.S. Marshals Service office at 1-866-4WANTED. Callers can remain anonymous.
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