A high-profile trial against former Governor Larry Hogan’s former chief of staff was scheduled to begin Monday.But the defendant, 53-year-old Roy McGrath, didn’t show up.McGrath is currently charged with alleged fraud and theft connected to his time working for the Maryland state government.Even his attorney, Joseph Murtha, was caught off-guard.”Unfortunately, Mr. McGrath has not appeared in court today. And I’m unaware of where he is,” Murtha said. “The trial will not start today, and I believe it will be postponed.”The judge, the attorney and the jury pool waited for several hours, until they called it. The judge issued an arrest warrant, the jury was excused, and Murtha told 11 News that wellness checks were underway.Murtha said he last spoke with McGrath late Sunday afternoon and was looking forward to seeing him in person at the courthouse at 8:45 a.m. Monday morning.”I had a very engaged conversation regarding what was going to be happening today, and a variety of issues that we have been discussing over time,” Murtha said. “I sensed nothing that would cause me concern about Roy’s plans for today.”McGrath is accused of using his position in state government to steal hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. He allegedly awarded himself a massive severance payout when he left his previous post to become Hogan’s chief of staff.Prosecutors said when McGrath was caught, he allegedly forged documents to make the severance look legitimate and appear as if Hogan approved it.This is a developing story and will be updated.
A high-profile trial against former Governor Larry Hogan’s former chief of staff was scheduled to begin Monday.
But the defendant, 53-year-old Roy McGrath, didn’t show up.
McGrath is currently charged with alleged fraud and theft connected to his time working for the Maryland state government.
Even his attorney, Joseph Murtha, was caught off-guard.
“Unfortunately, Mr. McGrath has not appeared in court today. And I’m unaware of where he is,” Murtha said. “The trial will not start today, and I believe it will be postponed.”
The judge, the attorney and the jury pool waited for several hours, until they called it. The judge issued an arrest warrant, the jury was excused, and Murtha told 11 News that wellness checks were underway.
Murtha said he last spoke with McGrath late Sunday afternoon and was looking forward to seeing him in person at the courthouse at 8:45 a.m. Monday morning.
“I had a very engaged conversation regarding what was going to be happening today, and a variety of issues that we have been discussing over time,” Murtha said. “I sensed nothing that would cause me concern about Roy’s plans for today.”
McGrath is accused of using his position in state government to steal hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. He allegedly awarded himself a massive severance payout when he left his previous post to become Hogan’s chief of staff.
Prosecutors said when McGrath was caught, he allegedly forged documents to make the severance look legitimate and appear as if Hogan approved it.
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This is a developing story and will be updated.
