Federal agents search Naples home of wanted former Maryland official

NAPLES, Florida. On Wednesday, federal agents broke into a Collier County home as part of a nationwide manhunt.

The case centers around Roy McGrath, the former chief of staff of former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who faces federal fraud and embezzlement charges.

McGrath’s trial was due to begin on Monday, but the former government official has not been seen or heard from in days.

According to McGrath’s attorney Joseph Murtha, agents raided McGrath’s home in Naples “looking for any information that might help them find Roy.”

United States Marshals Service

According to his lawyer, McGrath was not at home.

On Tuesday, the US Marshals Service issued a wanted notice for McGrath.

On Monday, Collier County sheriff’s deputies conducted a welfare check at McGrath’s home on Tamarind Way, but he was not at home.

County records show that McGrath purchased the home in Naples in October 2021.

Robert Desiano lives in the same gated community, but until this week had no idea that McGrath lived there.

On Wednesday morning, Desiano was heading to the gym when he noticed a line of federal cars at the gate.

“There were about 10 cars lined up, just passed the gate. I immediately thought it would be related to (McGrath) because I knew he was a fugitive,” said Desiano, who runs local news site Naples News Now.

A video released by Desiano shows several heavily armed federal agents approaching McGrath’s door.

“There were a lot of cars. They got out of the car with weapons at the ready, they also had a shield,” Desiano said.

“And soon after that they all went in. I stood there for a while. But I didn’t see anything with him. I didn’t see him taken out.”

McGrath’s lawyer says he hasn’t spoken to his client since Sunday night.

He is accused of fraud using electronic means of communication, embezzlement and falsification of government documents.

McGrath is accused of receiving a fake severance pay of $233,648.

“The most important thing is that I’m worried about Roy. I hope he’s safe,” Murtha said.

“I know these situations are very stressful. Uncertainty before the court can cause people to do things that we don’t think are appropriate. Most importantly, I hope he is safe.”