Roy McGrath, who briefly served as former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s chief of staff, did not appear in court Monday for the beginning of his trial on federal fraud charges. So, the judge issued an order for his arrest.

McGrath was indicted for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state when he was at the helm of the government-owned nonprofit Maryland Environmental Service. Federal prosecutors say he claimed to be working while vacationing; used the organization’s funds to pay for personal expenses, like tuition; and doctored up a $233,000 severance package. 

His attorneys say that yesterday that they spoke with McGrath. He and his wife now live in Florida. The attorneys say the couple was ready to fly up to Maryland for the court appearance this morning. But, they were unable to connect with them via phone this morning.  Now federal investigators are on the hunt for them.