Roy McGrath

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Roy McGrath

| image = Environmental Business Leadership Conference (41707337630) (cropped).jpg

| caption = McGrath in 2018

| office = Chief of Staff to the Governor of Maryland

| governor = Larry Hogan

| term_start = June 1, 2020

| term_end = August 17, 2020

| predecessor = Matthew A. Clark

| successor = Keiffer Mitchell Jr. (acting)

| office1 = Director of the Maryland Environmental Service

| governor1 = Larry Hogan

| term_start1 = December 21, 2016

| term_end1 = May 30, 2020

| predecessor1 = John O'Neill Jr. (acting)

| successor1 = Charles C. Glass (acting)

| birth_date = {{birth date|1969|8|9}}

| birth_place = Greece

| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|4|3|1969|8|9}}

| death_place = Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.

| death_cause = Shooting during arrest

| nationality = American

| party = Republican

| spouse = {{marriage|Yuliya Kryvenko|1997|2010|end=div}}
{{marriage|Laura Bruner|2021}}

| education = University of Maryland, College Park (BA)

| signature = Roy McGrath signature.svg

}}

Roy C. McGrath (August 9, 1969 – April 3, 2023) was an American political operative who served as the director of the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) from 2016 to 2020, and as the chief of staff to Governor Larry Hogan from June to August 2020.{{cite web |title=Roy C. McGrath, Chief of Staff, Maryland Office of Governor |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/08conoff/gov/staff/former/html/msa17146.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401164336/https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/08conoff/gov/staff/former/html/msa17146.html |url-status=live }}

McGrath resigned as chief of staff after The Baltimore Sun reported that he had received a $233,647 severance payment after leaving the MES, which led federal and state prosecutors to open an investigation into McGrath's severance payments. In October 2021, he was indicted on charges including wire fraud, theft in programs receiving federal funds, and falsification of records.{{cite web |title=Former Executive Director of Maryland Environmental Service Facing Federal and State Charges for Allegedly Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $276,731 From His Employer, and State Felony Violations of the Maryland Wiretap Statute |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/former-executive-director-maryland-environmental-service-facing-federal-and-state-charges |website=www.justice.gov |publisher=United States Attorney's Office District of Maryland |access-date=March 23, 2024 |language=en |date=5 October 2021}} A three week long manhunt ensued after he did not appear for court, which led to a police chase in Tennessee in which McGrath was shot and killed by both himself and law enforcement at the same time.{{cite news |last1=Fenton |first1=Justin |last2=Prudente |first2=Tim |title=Roy McGrath killed by gunfire in confrontation with FBI in Tennessee |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/roy-mcgrath-fugitive-found-manhunt-QBUF7AKQM5DN3PQD2OYJI43MA4/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=April 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404003933/https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/roy-mcgrath-fugitive-found-manhunt-QBUF7AKQM5DN3PQD2OYJI43MA4/ |url-status=live }}

Background

McGrath was born on August 9, 1969, in Greece,{{cite web |title=Roy C. McGrath |url=https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wcc/roy-c-mcgrath |website=fbi.gov |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329021904/https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wcc/roy-c-mcgrath|archive-date=March 29, 2023|publisher=Federal Bureau of Investigation |access-date=April 4, 2023}} to father Howard McGrath, an attorney, and his wife Polyxene.{{cite news |last1=Belson |first1=Dan |title=Roy McGrath, embattled Hogan aide who evaded trial last month, dies after being found by authorities |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/obituaries/bs-md-ob-roy-mcgrath-20230404-lnu7hqdp2bh7rcllf2igwhe2cm-story.html |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 4, 2023}} There is some ambiguity about McGrath's legal name. He is identified as "Roy Carlos McGrath" in his marriage license.{{cite web |title= State of Florida Marriage Record, filed in the official records of Collier County, Florida, as instrument number 6142434, book OR-6026, page 250 |url= https://collierclerk.com/records-search/search-official-records/ |access-date=April 9, 2023 }} In the federal and state indictments against him, he is simply referred to as "Roy C. McGrath". According to the FBI's wanted poster for McGrath, he may have used seven different names: Roy Carlos McGrath, Roy Charles McGrath, Roy Baisliadou, RC Baisliadou, Roy Mak-Grath, and RC McGrath.

McGrath grew up in Maryland, attending the Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy and graduating from St. Mary's Ryken High School in 1987. He later attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and politics, and economics in 1993. After graduating, McGrath spent 18 years at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, a trade group based in northern Virginia,{{cite news |last1=Marbella |first1=Jean |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland Gov. Hogan sought 'seamless' transition to new chief of staff with longtime associate. His pick lasted 11 weeks. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-tenure-20200829-5ipmfzvmqjf33elzm6isu4snde-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 29, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042843/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-tenure-20200829-5ipmfzvmqjf33elzm6isu4snde-story.html |url-status=live }} where he worked in various capacities including vice president of business development.

McGrath first got involved with politics at 18, becoming a member of the Republican Party and later forming a Young Republicans club in Southern Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Rebecca |last2=Wiggins |first2=Ovetta |title=Hogan expressed support of hefty severance package, says former chief of staff Roy McGrath |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/mcgrath-hogan-maryland-indictment/2021/11/04/f9bdc61e-277b-11ec-8831-a31e7b3de188_story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 4, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219211212/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/mcgrath-hogan-maryland-indictment/2021/11/04/f9bdc61e-277b-11ec-8831-a31e7b3de188_story.html |url-status=live }} In 1991, he served as a congressional intern and assistant to U.S. Representative Wayne Gilchrest. In 1992, as the chair of the Charles County Republican Central Committee,{{cite news |title=Md. GOP bucks party leaders in convention delegate choices |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-md-gop-bucks-party-le/154287274/ |access-date=July 28, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |via=Newspapers.com |date=June 14, 1992}} he chaired campaign activities for George H. W. Bush in the county and later served as an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention, pledged to Bush, and worked on Larry Hogan's unsuccessful congressional campaign in Maryland's 5th congressional district. McGrath later worked on Hogan's gubernatorial campaign in 2014, serving as the director of the group "Lawyers for Hogan" and overseeing early voting and Election Day operations.

Hogan administration

McGrath served as a member of Governor-elect Larry Hogan's transition team. He later joined the Hogan administration as a senior advisor and liaison to the Maryland Board of Public Works on January 21, 2015.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Jenna |title=Maryland Gov.-Elect Larry Hogan picks David R. Brinkley to oversee budget |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-gov-elect-larry-hogan-picks-david-r-brinkley-to-oversee-budget/2015/01/15/e6e45752-9cfd-11e4-96cc-e858eba91ced_story.html |access-date=April 4, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 15, 2015 |archive-date=November 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118042716/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-gov-elect-larry-hogan-picks-david-r-brinkley-to-oversee-budget/2015/01/15/e6e45752-9cfd-11e4-96cc-e858eba91ced_story.html |url-status=live }} He left this position on July 1, 2015, to become one of Hogan's deputy chiefs of staff.

File:Lt Gov speaks at MES all staff meeting (37324410366).jpg, 2017]]

In December 2016, Governor Hogan appointed McGrath as the Executive Director of the Maryland Environmental Service, (MES){{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Maryland health secretary leaves Hogan administration |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-hogan-cabinet-departure-20161215-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 15, 2016 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042848/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-hogan-cabinet-departure-20161215-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Grant |first1=Naomi |title=Gov. Larry Hogan appoints UMD alumnus as head of Maryland Environmental Service |url=https://dbknews.com/2016/12/23/larry-hogan-appoints-umd-alumnus-maryland-environmental-service/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Diamondback |date=December 23, 2016}} where he described himself as the CEO.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Roy McGrath's spiral from executive to fugitive was as puzzling as it was spectacular |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/roy-mcgrath-fall-B66EZDX5P5HNNM3AN5BQTWEASI/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=April 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404211405/https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/roy-mcgrath-fall-B66EZDX5P5HNNM3AN5BQTWEASI/ |url-status=live }} While director of the MES, McGrath used state funds on personal expenses, including a $50,935 Chevrolet Suburban, $63,000 on remodeling and furniture, and $50,000 on trips to Naples, Miami, Israel, and Las Vegas. He also received employee incentive payments of $117,932 between September 2017 and September 2019.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=On top of severance, Maryland Environmental Service paid director $55K in expenses as he left to lead Hogan staff |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mes-oversight-preview-20200825-p7kbawn4qzgxvgugqs2hmvyora-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 25, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mes-oversight-preview-20200825-p7kbawn4qzgxvgugqs2hmvyora-story.html |url-status=live }} According to legislative investigators, McGrath also personally hired "loyal colleagues" to key positions in the agency who were persuaded to donate to Hogan's campaign, even though they did not live in Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Ray |title=How Roy McGrath went from Larry Hogan's chief of staff to the subject of a manhunt that ended in his death |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/13/politics/roy-mcgrath-larry-hogan-aide-downfall/index.html |access-date=April 13, 2023 |work=CNN |date=April 13, 2023}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, McGrath was named by Hogan to the state's Coronavirus Response Team.{{cite news |last1=Ruiz |first1=Nathan |title=Maryland is planning how to reopen the state. But Gov. Hogan stresses much work remains in the present. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-pol-hogan-recovery-plan-20200415-utcenhynhzhf5jwkhifsb7x4da-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-pol-hogan-recovery-plan-20200415-utcenhynhzhf5jwkhifsb7x4da-story.html |url-status=live }} In this capacity, he spearheaded efforts with Operation Enduring Friendship, a confidential project that saw the state purchase 500,000 COVID-19 tests from South Korea for $10 million.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Hogan Getting New Chief of Staff as Clark Moves to UMMS |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/05/26/hogan-getting-new-chief-of-staff-as-clark-moves-to-umms/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 26, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/05/26/hogan-getting-new-chief-of-staff-as-clark-moves-to-umms/ |url-status=live }} According to prosecutors, McGrath began secretly recording meetings with other government officials on his iPhone around this time, which violated Maryland's wiretapping laws.{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=Why you'll probably never hear Roy McGrath's secret recordings of Larry Hogan |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/roy-mcgrath-governor-larry-hogan-recordings-O4H3YKXPI5GA7NW747VFNG6W7M/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=July 5, 2023}} It was McGrath's efforts related to the COVID-19 tests that led Governor Hogan to appoint McGrath as his new chief of staff following the resignation of Matthew A. Clark on May 26, 2020.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Gov. Hogan's chief of staff leaves administration, joins University of Maryland Medical System |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-clark-umms-20200526-obf4twhrovcoxfefxq7hcyrgzm-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 26, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-clark-umms-20200526-obf4twhrovcoxfefxq7hcyrgzm-story.html |url-status=live }}

=Severance payment scandal=

In August 2020, the Baltimore Sun reported that McGrath received a $233,647 severance package that included a year's salary after voluntarily leaving the Maryland Environmental Service, which was approved by the agency's board of directors in a private online meeting on May 28.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=New Hogan chief of staff got six-figure payout as he left Maryland Environmental Service to work for governor |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-severance-20200813-rsvq7ivihvazvdcjoggb36t7nm-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042846/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-severance-20200813-rsvq7ivihvazvdcjoggb36t7nm-story.html |url-status=live }} According to federal prosecutors and investigators, McGrath attempted to delete any mention of the compensation from public minutes following the vote. McGrath defended his severance package, writing in an op-ed for The Sun that he was entitled to a corporate-style golden parachute because MES operates "not much different from a private-sector entity."{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Lawmakers Turn Up Heat on Hogan Over Ex-Aide's Big Severance Payment |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/25/lawmakers-turn-up-heat-on-hogan-over-ex-aides-big-severance-payment/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 25, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042844/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/25/lawmakers-turn-up-heat-on-hogan-over-ex-aides-big-severance-payment/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=McGrath |first1=Roy |title=Severance from Maryland Environmental Service earned through 'exceptional performance' {{!}} COMMENTARY |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/08/21/roy-mcgrath-severance-from-maryland-environmental-service-earned-through-exceptional-performance-commentary/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 21, 2020}} He resigned as chief of staff on August 17, 2020, four days after the story's publication.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland Gov. Hogan's new chief of staff resigns after six-figure severance from previous state post revealed |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-resigns-20200817-af2puexvqbaebjlwcpdvti2jku-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404005512/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-resigns-20200817-af2puexvqbaebjlwcpdvti2jku-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Under scrutiny for receiving a large severance, Hogan's chief of staff resigns |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/under-scrutiny-for-receiving-a-large-severance-hogans-chief-of-staff-resigns/2020/08/17/137ff084-e0d0-11ea-8dd2-d07812bf00f7_story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219211207/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/under-scrutiny-for-receiving-a-large-severance-hogans-chief-of-staff-resigns/2020/08/17/137ff084-e0d0-11ea-8dd2-d07812bf00f7_story.html |url-status=live }} According to an affidavit obtained by the media, Hogan was first made aware of the payout on August 2, 2020, after MES board member Joseph F. Snee Jr. told Hogan's chief counsel, Michael Pedone, about the payout. After Hogan learned about the payout, McGrath was called to Hogan's office to discuss the matter the following day. Still, it is unclear as to whether Hogan took any further action before the Baltimore Sun article was released 10 days later.{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=In newly obtained affidavit, former Gov. Hogan recounts learning of Roy McGrath's alleged fraud |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/larry-hogan-roy-mcgrath-affidavit-P4FJLDQQ5RGCHD7VS47C6TOPVU/ |access-date=June 8, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=June 7, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |last2=Mann |first2=Alex |last3=Sanderlin |first3=Lee O. |title=Affidavit sheds new light on when and what ex-Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan knew about Roy McGrath's severance before it was public |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-md-larry-hogan-affidavit-roy-mcgrath-case-records-obtained-20230607-jnzm2egrubgb7ahlxrkv45m4ve-story.html |access-date=June 28, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 7, 2023}} Following McGrath's resignation, Hogan ordered an audit of the Maryland Environmental Service.{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=MES board members say they were told Hogan approved severance; governor has denied it |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/roy-mcgrath-severance-inquiry/2020/08/24/943cb0ee-e63a-11ea-bc79-834454439a44_story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 25, 2020 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515111348/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/roy-mcgrath-severance-inquiry/2020/08/24/943cb0ee-e63a-11ea-bc79-834454439a44_story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Hogan: Hefty Payout to Ex-Aide 'Didn't Have Anything to Do With Us' |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/27/hogan-hefty-payout-to-ex-aide-didnt-have-anything-to-do-with-us/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 27, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/27/hogan-hefty-payout-to-ex-aide-didnt-have-anything-to-do-with-us/ |url-status=live }}

Democratic Party leaders of the Maryland General Assembly quickly questioned the payout, with House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson releasing a joint statement calling its disclosure "truly shocking"{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Jeff |title=House speaker says Gov. Hogan's new chief of staff should return six-figure severance to Maryland Environmental Service |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-hogan-chief-of-staff-20200814-742wc2o5cre4pnwi5kpp3thhku-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404051400/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-hogan-chief-of-staff-20200814-742wc2o5cre4pnwi5kpp3thhku-story.html |url-status=live }} and asked the Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight to hold immediate hearings to look into why the payment was made;{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Maryland presiding officers call special hearing to look into severance package given to Hogan's top aide |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-presiding-officers-call-special-hearing-to-look-into-severance-package-given-to-hogans-top-aide/2020/08/14/b12fa644-de41-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516034912/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-presiding-officers-call-special-hearing-to-look-into-severance-package-given-to-hogans-top-aide/2020/08/14/b12fa644-de41-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html |url-status=live }} the co-chairs of the committee, state senator Clarence Lam and delegate Erek Barron, promised to investigate the payment.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Lawmakers Vow Review of Payout to Hogan's Chief of Staff |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/15/lawmakers-vow-review-of-payout-to-hogans-chief-of-staff/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404044345/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/15/lawmakers-vow-review-of-payout-to-hogans-chief-of-staff/ |url-status=live }} Before the committee's first meeting on August 25, McGrath sought Hogan's help, asking him via text message to intervene on his behalf. Hogan did not respond to his texts, instead immediately releasing the texts to the committee.{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |last2=Wiggins |first2=Ovetta |title=Hogan's former chief of staff implored him to back him up. Instead, Hogan publicly rebutted him. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/mcgrath-hogan-severance/2020/09/01/b9ebaf5c-ebee-11ea-99a1-71343d03bc29_story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127102332/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/mcgrath-hogan-severance/2020/09/01/b9ebaf5c-ebee-11ea-99a1-71343d03bc29_story.html |url-status=live }} During this first meeting, MES board members testified that they were misled by McGrath into believing that Hogan wanted them to approve the payment.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=MES board members say McGrath assured them governor was on board with payout, but Hogan says he wasn't personally involved in the decisions |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mes-hearing-20200825-5g26rv7cnjgldgkwaedaruhkci-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 25, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404051358/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mes-hearing-20200825-5g26rv7cnjgldgkwaedaruhkci-story.html |url-status=live }} In September 2020, former MES deputy Beth Wojton testified that McGrath routinely prevented her and other employees from seeing expenses related to the Environmental Business Leadership Conference, a series of MES events held each year.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=McGrath, Ex-Aide Set to Testify on Hefty Payout |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/08/mcgrath-ex-aide-set-to-testify-on-hefty-payout/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 8, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042845/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/08/mcgrath-ex-aide-set-to-testify-on-hefty-payout/ |url-status=live }} Later that month, the committee took the unusual step of authorizing a subpoena for McGrath,{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Rebuffed by Former Hogan Aide, Assembly Leaders Issue Rare Subpoenas |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/09/23/rebuffed-by-former-hogan-aide-assembly-leaders-issue-rare-subpoenas/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=September 23, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/09/23/rebuffed-by-former-hogan-aide-assembly-leaders-issue-rare-subpoenas/ |url-status=live }} who testified before legislators in December 2020. During his testimony, McGrath repeatedly declined to answer questions, invoking the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution at least 130 times.{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Steve |title=Ex-aide to Gov. Hogan declines to answer lawmakers' questions about large severance payment |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/ex-aide-to-gov-hogan-declines-to-answer-lawmakers-questions-about-large-severance-payment/2020/12/16/8f8369de-3f2d-11eb-9453-fc36ba051781_story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 16, 2020 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330142930/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/ex-aide-to-gov-hogan-declines-to-answer-lawmakers-questions-about-large-severance-payment/2020/12/16/8f8369de-3f2d-11eb-9453-fc36ba051781_story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=McGrath Keeps Mum as Committee Probes Lavish Spending, Large Severance |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/16/mcgrath-keeps-mum-as-committee-probes-lavish-spending-large-severance/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 16, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042845/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/16/mcgrath-keeps-mum-as-committee-probes-lavish-spending-large-severance/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2020, Democratic leaders of the Maryland General Assembly announced plans to reform the Maryland Environmental Service following McGrath's tenure.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Legislative Leaders Plan Maryland Environmental Service Reforms, Hearing |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/09/16/legislative-leaders-plan-maryland-environmental-service-reforms-hearing/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=September 16, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404072353/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/09/16/legislative-leaders-plan-maryland-environmental-service-reforms-hearing/ |url-status=live }} In December 2020, legislators introduced the Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act of 2021, which changed the management structure and oversight of the agency.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Early Legislative Priorities of 2021: HBCU Funding, Environmental Service Reform |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/22/early-legislative-priorities-of-2021-hbcu-funding-environmental-service-reform/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 22, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/22/early-legislative-priorities-of-2021-hbcu-funding-environmental-service-reform/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Legislation – SB0002 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0002/?ys=2021rs |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0002/?ys=2021rs |url-status=live }} The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Hogan on April 13, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=David |title=60+ bills signed into law; leaders call Session 2021 historic, victorious, unique |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-2021-bills-signed-into-law/36109586 |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=WBAL-TV |date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819134603/https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-2021-bills-signed-into-law/36109586 |url-status=live }}

In May 2021, the Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight released a report on its investigation into McGrath, which suggested that McGrath flouted state personnel rules, received questionable reimbursements, and mischaracterized the details of his severance payment.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Legislative Panel Issues Blistering Report of McGrath's Management Practices at Maryland Environmental Service |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/05/19/legislative-panel-issues-blistering-report-of-mcgraths-management-practices-at-maryland-environmental-service/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042847/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/05/19/legislative-panel-issues-blistering-report-of-mcgraths-management-practices-at-maryland-environmental-service/ |url-status=live }} The committee's final 82-page report was released in May 2022, which highlighted a pattern of questionable expenses and self-dealing under McGrath's tenure and called on the Maryland Environmental Service to take civil legal action against him.{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Report urges legal action against indicted former MES director McGrath |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2022/05/19/report-offers-more-details-on-mcgraths-spending-at-mes-urges-legal-action/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203063523/https://thedailyrecord.com/2022/05/19/report-offers-more-details-on-mcgraths-spending-at-mes-urges-legal-action/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Janesch |first1=Sam |title='Significant financial and management flaws' tied to former Hogan chief of staff by Maryland legislative probe |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-legislative-report-20220520-dyk5srvvibgunm2qpj7o2il4ga-story.html |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404102148/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-legislative-report-20220520-dyk5srvvibgunm2qpj7o2il4ga-story.html |url-status=live }}

Criminal indictments

=Federal charges=

File:Roy McGrath mugshot.png of McGrath, June 2021]]

In October 2020, Maryland Matters reported that both state and federal prosecutors were investigating the severance payments made to McGrath at the end of his tenure as MES director.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=State and Federal Authorities Are Said to Be Probing Hogan's Ex-Chief of Staff |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/10/22/state-and-federal-authorities-are-said-to-be-probing-hogans-ex-chief-of-staff/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 22, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042849/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/10/22/state-and-federal-authorities-are-said-to-be-probing-hogans-ex-chief-of-staff/ |url-status=live }} On October 5, 2021, McGrath was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges for wire fraud, misconduct in office, and improper use of state funds.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |last2=Gaskill |first2=Hannah |title=Roy McGrath, Governor's Former Chief of Staff, Faces Federal, State Criminal Charges |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/10/05/roy-mcgrath-governors-former-chief-of-staff-indicted-for-federal-state-charges/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 5, 2021 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042843/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/10/05/roy-mcgrath-governors-former-chief-of-staff-indicted-for-federal-state-charges/ |url-status=live }} He lashed out against state prosecutors in a Facebook post later that week, saying that "politically-motivated bullies" were after him and that he was confident "the exculpatory facts will come to light and speak for themselves".{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=In Facebook Post, McGrath Says 'Politically-Motivated Bullies' Are After Him |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/10/07/in-facebook-post-mcgrath-says-politically-motivated-bullies-are-after-him/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404083208/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/10/07/in-facebook-post-mcgrath-says-politically-motivated-bullies-are-after-him/ |url-status=live }} Later that month, U.S. District Court Magistrate Thomas M. DiGirolamo approved pretrial release for McGrath, requiring him to surrender his passport and firearms.{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Ex-Hogan aide McGrath, accused of wire fraud, to remain on supervised release |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2021/10/22/judge-allows-ex-hogan-aide-mcgrath-to-remain-on-supervised-release/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126190342/https://thedailyrecord.com/2021/10/22/judge-allows-ex-hogan-aide-mcgrath-to-remain-on-supervised-release/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland Gov. Hogan's ex-chief of staff, Roy McGrath, to remain free pending federal trial |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-federal-apperance-20211022-2gt5kpyycrbyvpnpaei3q52lxe-story.html |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129151315/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-federal-apperance-20211022-2gt5kpyycrbyvpnpaei3q52lxe-story.html |url-status=live }} In November 2021, McGrath pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in federal court.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Hogan's Former Aide Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Court |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/11/19/hogans-former-aide-pleads-not-guilty-in-federal-court/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 19, 2021 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042851/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/11/19/hogans-former-aide-pleads-not-guilty-in-federal-court/ |url-status=live }} If convicted, he could have faced up to 140 years in prison.{{cite news |last1=Jiménez |first1=Jesus |title=Former Aide to Maryland Ex-Governor Dies After Shooting Involving F.B.I. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/04/us/roy-mcgrath-maryland-fbi-shooting.html |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=April 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404185204/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/04/us/roy-mcgrath-maryland-fbi-shooting.html |url-status=live }}

In November 2021, McGrath claimed that Governor Hogan had expressed support of his severance package, releasing screenshots of text message conversations between him and Hogan in August 2020, including one where Hogan wrote: "I know you did nothing wrong. I know it is unfair. I will stand with you".{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title='I will stand with you': Maryland Gov. Hogan's ex-chief of staff alleges governor supported controversial payout |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-documents-20211104-nmejcui6ujbkjnhm7drrqezmdu-story.html |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 4, 2021 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404051402/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-mcgrath-documents-20211104-nmejcui6ujbkjnhm7drrqezmdu-story.html |url-status=live }} According to Michael Ricci, Hogan's Director of Communications, the governor sent the message before he learned more details about how McGrath obtained the severance package. Ricci also disputed other emails released by McGrath, calling them a "complete fabrication".{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Hogan Denies Former Aide's Claim That He Approved Hefty Severance |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/11/05/hogan-denies-former-aides-claim-that-he-approved-hefty-severance/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 5, 2021 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042847/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/11/05/hogan-denies-former-aides-claim-that-he-approved-hefty-severance/ |url-status=live }}

In June 2022, a superseding indictment was issued against McGrath, alleging that McGrath had forged a memorandum from Hogan approving the severance payment.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Prosecutors: Governor's Former Chief of Staff Falsified Memo to Hogan About Severance Payment |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/06/28/prosecutors-governors-former-chief-of-staff-falsified-memo-to-hogan-about-severance-payment/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 28, 2022 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042848/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/06/28/prosecutors-governors-former-chief-of-staff-falsified-memo-to-hogan-about-severance-payment/ |url-status=live }}

In August 2023, the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland sought to seize $119,000 in assets from an TD Ameritrade account belonging to McGrath, alleging that the account was entirely funded by his MES severance payment.{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=Feds seek to claw back $119k of Roy McGrath's allegedly fraudulent severance money |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/roy-mcgrath-larry-hogan-severance-fraud-6UO5VGJVLNC5VIOODWGHMJWGCE/ |access-date=August 31, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=August 31, 2023}} In October 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Deborah Boardman ordered the money to be forfeited to the U.S. government.{{cite news |last1=Belson |first1=Dan |title=DOJ may seize $119K from late Hogan aide Roy McGrath’s bank account, judge rules |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/10/28/roy-mcgrath-bank-account-doj/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 28, 2024}}

=State charges=

On October 5, 2021, the same day McGrath was indicted on federal charges, he was indicted on state charges in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for multiple counts of wiretapping and misconduct for allegedly recording conversations with the governor, cabinet secretaries and other officials without their consent.{{cite news |title=June Trial Date Set for Former Aide to Maryland Governor |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/june-trial-date-set-for-former-aide-to-maryland-governor/2937888/ |access-date=April 5, 2023 |publisher=NBC4 Washington |agency=Associated Press |date=January 15, 2022}} He was due to stand trial for the state charges in July 2023.{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Where is Roy McGrath? Here's the latest on what we know |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/roy-mcgrath-missing-questions-ZHWAF3KVURGVBMCERAIUXRHIKI/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 14, 2023 |language=en}}

=Manhunt and death=

File:FBI Wanted Poster - Roy McGrath.jpg for Roy McGrath]]

McGrath's federal trial was originally scheduled for October 24, 2022, but was delayed until March 13, 2023.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Fraud trial of Hogan's former chief of staff is delayed |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/10/20/fraud-trial-of-hogans-former-chief-of-staff-is-delayed/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 20, 2022 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042853/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/10/20/fraud-trial-of-hogans-former-chief-of-staff-is-delayed/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=McGrath faces federal fraud, embezzlement trial Monday |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/03/12/mcgrath-faces-federal-fraud-embezzlement-trial-monday/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2023 |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315003230/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/03/12/mcgrath-faces-federal-fraud-embezzlement-trial-monday/ |url-status=live }} However, he failed to appear in court for the beginning of his trial, prompting U.S. District Court Judge Deborah Boardman to issue a warrant for McGrath's arrest. The United States Marshals Service launched a manhunt for McGrath, whom they now considered a fugitive.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |last2=Sanderlin |first2=Lee O. |title=Feds searching for former Maryland governor's top aide after he does not appear for his trial |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-roy-mcgrath-arrest-warrant-issued-20230313-qhxsvqnh5bgundwcdyfi5oc2vu-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 13, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404005506/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-roy-mcgrath-arrest-warrant-issued-20230313-qhxsvqnh5bgundwcdyfi5oc2vu-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Sanderlin |first1=Lee O. |last2=Williams |first2=Reed |title=Feds offer $20K reward for info on 'international flight risk' Roy McGrath |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-roy-mcgrath-flight-risk-20230328-3au74p7i3zhazkr5tqyn3ngkka-story.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 28, 2023 |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403205400/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-roy-mcgrath-flight-risk-20230328-3au74p7i3zhazkr5tqyn3ngkka-story.html |url-status=live }} According to a search warrant affidavit and body camera footage obtained by the media, McGrath did not make reservations to travel to Maryland ahead of his scheduled trial, despite having told his attorney and wife otherwise.{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Steve |title=McGrath didn't book plane tickets to Md. before trial, search warrant shows |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/04/18/roy-mcgrath-search-warrant/ |access-date=April 18, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 18, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=Search warrant suggests Roy McGrath's disappearance not impulsive |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/roy-mcgrath-manhunt-search-warrant-EARKARC6RZEBRL2DCPO52SPMWE/ |access-date=April 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=April 18, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=Florida sheriff's video suggests Roy McGrath kept plan from wife to go on run |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/roy-mcgrath-wife-video-florida-police-bodycam-U3OIKBYRF5GJFF7NJTSPJXSN3M/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=April 24, 2023}} During the manhunt, McGrath purchased a used white Cadillac Escalade, had a gun, and used multiple cellphones,{{cite news |last1=Costello |first1=Darcy |last2=Mann |first2=Alex |title=FBI knew fugitive Roy McGrath had bought used Cadillac and had gun, multiple cellphones, attorney says |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-roy-mcgrath-cadillac-phones-gun-autopsy-20230406-yztbksvyhrco7hklvuc5nbisou-story.html |access-date=April 6, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 6, 2023}} which the Federal Bureau of Investigation used to track him as he went into hiding.{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=How the FBI found Roy McGrath: a known Cadillac, multiple cellphones |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/roy-mcgrath-fugitive-shooting-fbi-BIQQC75ZGNHRLEAIK2YOTTLTEM/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=April 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404180115/https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/roy-mcgrath-fugitive-shooting-fbi-BIQQC75ZGNHRLEAIK2YOTTLTEM/ |url-status=live }}

During the manhunt, McGrath self-published two books, Betrayed: The True Story of Roy McGrath and Betrayed: The True Story of Maryland Environmental Service, under the pseudonym "Ryan C. Cooper".{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=Feds link mysterious Roy McGrath books to late fugitive through cell, email records |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-md-feds-link-mysterious-author-to-roy-mcgrath-20230905-gqdji7yajrgrhezzp32zxle4hq-story.html |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 5, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Fenton |first1=Justin |last2=Prudente |first2=Tim |last3=Wood |first3=Pamela |title=Feds connect mystery author 'Ryan Cooper' to fugitive Roy McGrath in newly unsealed search warrants |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/article/roy-mcgrath-ryan-cooper-warrant-ZMPGL27OJVEQFCANRU2UMN2OOU/ |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=September 5, 2023}} "Cooper" declined to give out further biographical details about himself, including his birthday or middle name, only describing himself as a semi-retired man who moved from Hagerstown to Florida who sympathized with McGrath.{{cite news |last1=Cohn |first1=Meredith |last2=Prudente |first2=Tim |last3=Wood |first3=Pamela |title=New Roy McGrath book claims to spill Annapolis secrets. We got a sneak peek at two chapters. |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/we-got-a-sneak-peek-at-the-roy-mcgrath-book-L3ML2W3HWNHEDNED5FTYOZPSLQ/ |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 21, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |last2=Sanderlin |first2=Lee O. |title=Wife of fugitive Roy McGrath doesn't know author behind tell-all book, her attorney says |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-roy-mcgrath-book-manhunt-20230323-adgnvbtbsne2jmr6znl3qsivnu-story.html |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 23, 2023}} In the books, McGrath defended his tenure at the Maryland Environmental Service and provided a tell-all against Governor Larry Hogan, who he claimed had acted out of "delusional, ego-driven aspirations for the White House".{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=Amid Roy McGrath manhunt, Amazon lists a juicy tell-all book. Who wrote it? |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/roy-mcgrath-book-ryan-cooper-RVG6S4F6GRBANJAIV3I2VSNWEI/ |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 20, 2023}} A third book was planned to release once more was known about McGrath's location, but never published.{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=Records present fuller account of FBI shooting of former Maryland official Roy McGrath |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/roy-mcgrath-death-fbi-shooting-C4IDFJEXBZBMXAJAJOTIRQQSD4/ |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=August 23, 2023}} Federal officials were able to connect Cooper to McGrath through his own credit card and cellphone signals associated with Cooper's email address that showed McGrath traveling to a "variety of hotels in different states" on the East Coast during the manhunt.

On April 3, 2023, FBI agents sought to arrest McGrath at a Costco Wholesale store near the 10700 block of Kingston Pike in Farragut, Tennessee.{{cite news |last1=Costello |first1=Darcy |last2=Kearly |first2=Kendyl |title=FBI reviewing fatal shooting of Roy McGrath during encounter with federal agents |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/04/04/fbi-reviewing-fatal-shooting-of-roy-mcgrath-during-encounter-with-federal-agents/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 4, 2023}} He ignored police trying to arrest him, resulting in a police chase that ended when McGrath was boxed in near a local fast-food restaurant and auto parts store. McGrath ignored demands to put his hands out the driver's side window and told agents that he had a loaded gun, which he fired at his right temple. At the same time, FBI agents fired at McGrath, striking his left cheek. He was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he died 30 minutes later.{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Tennessee DA: Roy McGrath suffered simultaneous gun shots from self, FBI agent; no charges will be filed against agent |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/07/28/mcgrath-suffered-simultaneous-gun-shots-from-self-fbi-agent/ |access-date=March 23, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=July 28, 2023}} The Washington Post reported that in a document, law enforcement said they believed McGrath shot himself during the traffic stop, but that it was unclear whether the self-inflicted wound or shots from law enforcement killed him.{{cite news |last1=Hedgpeth |first1=Dana |last2=Mettler |first2=Katie |last3=Stein |first3=Perry |last4=Thompson |first4=Steve |title=Roy McGrath is believed to have shot himself during traffic stop, document says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/04/04/roy-mcgrath-manhunt-shooting/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 4, 2023}} The FBI concluded its investigation into McGrath's death on July 20, 2023,{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=FBI concludes investigation into shooting death of Roy McGrath and refers case to prosecutors |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/fbi-concludes-roy-mcgrath-investigation-UWRQ7QWNRJGMVJBNCUQ5AUK2NI/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=July 20, 2023}} but were unable to determine whether McGrath or the FBI agent fired the fatal shot. Prosecutors declined to bring criminal charges against the FBI agent who opened fire,{{cite news |last1=Prudente |first1=Tim |title=Fugitive Maryland official Roy McGrath shot simultaneously by self, FBI, prosecutor finds |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/roy-mcgrath-autopsy-6QMS6W2Q3VHANC5SRCSCRAY6EA/ |access-date=July 28, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=July 28, 2023}} saying that he had acted in self defense.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=FBI agents won't be charged in Tennessee shooting death of Maryland fugitive Roy McGrath |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-roy-mcgrath-cause-of-death-20230728-lxye4rk4efe4xmtplu5ytdkeni-story.html |access-date=July 28, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 28, 2023}}

Personal life

McGrath married his first wife, Yuliya (anglicized to Julia, née Kryvenko), in 1997, and was divorced in 2010. In September 2021, less than two weeks before McGrath was federally indicted, he married Laura Bruner,{{cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Madeleine |title=Amid Roy McGrath manhunt, a mysterious book claims to tell his side of the story |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2023/03/22/amid-roy-mcgrath-manhunt-a-mysterious-book-claims-to-tell-his-side-of-the-story/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=March 22, 2023 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323232526/https://thedailyrecord.com/2023/03/22/amid-roy-mcgrath-manhunt-a-mysterious-book-claims-to-tell-his-side-of-the-story/ |url-status=live }} who was his girlfriend at the time he served as MES director.{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Prosecutors can't use wife's vacation texts, photos in McGrath fraud case, judge rules |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2022/10/11/prosecutors-cant-use-alleged-vacation-texts-photos-in-mcgrath-fraud-case-judge-rules/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=October 11, 2022 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042842/https://thedailyrecord.com/2022/10/11/prosecutors-cant-use-alleged-vacation-texts-photos-in-mcgrath-fraud-case-judge-rules/ |url-status=live }} They lived together in Edgewater, Maryland, before selling their home and moving to Naples, Florida, in December 2020.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=Why did Maryland fugitive Roy McGrath's run end in Knoxville? 'What's the connection?' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-roy-mcgrath-search-end-knox-county-tennessee-20230407-hti5skpxf5depnagt5fznsuuku-story.html |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 7, 2023}}

McGrath and Bruner purchased a home in Naples for $610,000.{{cite web |title= Warranty Deed, Official records of Collier County, Florida, instrument number 5979463, book OR-5870, page 3036 |url= https://collierclerk.com/records-search/search-official-records/ |access-date=April 9, 2023}}