William GrotheNASHVILLE, Tenn. - The local attorney who faked his own death in an attempt to defraud his life insurance company cost the city an estimated $11,000 in police manpower and searches related to his disappearance, Metro police said Wednesday.
William Grothe, 62, disappeared from his office on Music Square East on last November.
A few hours later, some of his personal belongings, including jewelry, driver's license and credit cards, were found in a tied plastic shopping bag in the front yard of a home on South 5th Street.
Later that night, his car was found parked and locked in Shelby Park, near the boat ramp, prompting a search of the area.
During the search, Grothe's wallet and a cap were found on rocks near the riverbank and his jacket was found in the water.
Police later learned Grothe, using his wife's maiden name, checked himself into a motel in Montana in the days following his disappearance and a caller to Nashville's 911 Center on November 24, claiming to have murdered Grothe was actually Grothe himself.
In January, police learned Grothe was admitted to a medical facility in Arizona for psychological evaluation.
He has since returned to his home in Franklin and pleaded guilty to two criminal counts on Wednesday.
Grothe faces a three year sentence. A judge will decide the manner in which he will serve the sentence on June 26.
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