A Breckenridge attorney captured at the U.S.-Mexico border late last year — accused of faking a kidnapping to avoid theft charges — is expected to plead guilty to some of the criminal counts against him.
Royal “Scoop” Daniel, 66, was originally charged with 15 counts that included theft of over $15,000 or more and commercial bribery.
CBS4 was first to report the pending plea deal today. The station reported Daniel is expected to plead guilty to two of those felony theft counts.
Fifth Judicial District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said justice could be served without the case going to trial. He declined to comment on the particulars of the deal, citing a gag order in the case.
Daniel’s lawyer, Reed Owens, couldn’t be reached for comment this evening.
In April 2007, Daniel disappeared from his law office and at first, it appeared his vanishing might be due to foul play.
Investigators believe Daniel tried to stage a kidnapping because he allegedly stole more than $700,000 from his clients.
Daniel was captured in December while walking across the border. He said he was working and living in Acapulco as a freelancer for websites.
Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com
