Cops: Missing Attorney Fled With Millions

An arrest warrant has been issued for a missing Colorado attorney who authorities say staged his own disappearance and fled to Brazil with millions of his clients' money. Hundreds of volunteers searched in the past several days for Royal (Scoop) Daniel after he was reported missing by co-workers April 27.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation investigators say Daniel tried to stage his disappearance and did not do a very good job doing it. Authorities had served 13 search warrants in the past week for Daniels' office and financial records.

Daniel (pictured) mishandled his client's money for his own financial gain, authorities said. "He was essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul, and it caught up to him to the tune of $400,000 to $500,000," one investigator told reporters.

Rather than face his clients, he fled to Brazil where he has visited often and speaks the language fluently, police said.

Daniel disappeared from this office Friday, April 27. Co-workers reported him missing when he failed to make two appointments. Investigators went to his office and found his dog, his keys and his car.

A news conference is scheduled today by investigators to release details of the case.

Earlier Article:
Police Puzzled in Disappearance of Attorney

See Also:
Police: Missing Lawyer Likely Fled to Brazil
Report: Missing Lawyer Fled With Millions
Cops: Lawyer's Vanishing Staged

^{Photo: Family photo}