The manhunt for former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s ex-chief of staff is escalating.
The FBI has raided the Florida home of Roy McGrath, just two days after the former chief of staff failed to appear in Baltimore on Monday for the start of his criminal trial.
Joseph Murtha, McGrath’s attorney, confirmed the search in a phone interview with The Associated Press Wednesday afternoon. An FBI spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that agents “conducted court-authorized activity at that residence” but declined to elaborate.
“I haven’t a clue. I didn’t see this coming,” he said. “This behavior is so out of the ordinary for him. Obviously, his personal safety is a concern.”
The U.S. Marshals Service released a wanted poster for McGrath on Tuesday after U.S. District Court Judge Deborah Boardman issued an arrest warrant
Earlier this week, McGrath’s attorney said he had no reason to believe his client would skip out on court, noting he had a substantive conversation about the case Sunday evening. (RELATED: Federal Judge Issues Arrest Warrant For Former GOP Governor’s Ex-Chief Of Staff)
“I looked forward to seeing him at 8:45 this morning,” Murtha said on the day of McGrath’s scheduled appearance. “Most importantly, I’m concerned. I’m hoping he’s safe. These situations are very stressful, the uncertainty of going to trial can cause people to do things many people don’t think are appropriate. We hope that he’s safe.”
McGrath is facing an eight-count federal indictment stemming from a criminal corruption investigation. Charges include wire fraud, including securing a $233,648 severance payment equal to one year of salary as the head of Maryland Environmental Service. He also faces fraud and embezzlement charges connected to roughly $170,000 in expenses. McGrath has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
McGrath resigned from Hogan’s office a few months after the six-figure payment was reported.
According to Fox News, McGrath gave up his passport in October 2021 as part of terms set in his pretrial release.
Authorities have yet to locate McGrath.
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