Manager Embezzled Millions from Chesterfield Doctors, Prosecutors Said

The former manager of a doctors group with offices at in Chesterfield was indicted late Wednesday on fraud counts linked to the embezzlement of millions of dollars, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Eastern Missouri said in a written statement.

Dunard Morris, 48, apparently fled the St. Louis area to Arizona, according to stltoday.com after he was let go from the job last Fall.

Morris worked for the group of doctors since 2006— Prosecutors said Morris also masqueraded as a decorated U.S. Marine, when instead he was discharged under clouded circumstances.

While some described the allegations as a standard-issue case of embezzelment, others were dumbfounded by the alleged amounts.

The U.S. Attorney's office said Morris rented a $5,400-a-month apartment for himself on Delmar Avenue in St. Louis, on the doctors' tab. Stltoday.com said there were 15 Rolex watches in question.

Prosecutors said they would be gunning for a laundry list of items Morris apparently purchased during the time of alleged illegal activity, including:

• high-end jewelry, 
• luxury automobiles, 
• expensive firearms, 
• designer clothing, 
• fine wine, 
• national and international travel.

Morris was indicted in St. Charles, MO, by a federal grand jury on five felony counts of mail and wire fraud and one count of stolen valor.

The timeline was not immediately clear, whether Feds would launch a manhunt or Morris would prepare to turn himself in. The FBI investigated the case.

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Possible penalties, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office:

"If convicted, mail and wire fraud carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  Violation of the Stolen Valor Act carries a maximum of one year and/or fines up to $100,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

Additionally, upon a finding of guilt, Morris will be subject to a forfeiture allegation, which will require the forfeiture to the government of all property derived from the illegal activity."