Body Found at Loch Raven Reservoir Was Missing Man Wanted by Feds: Police

TOWSON, MD — Hikers found the body of a missing man who was wanted for his alleged involvement in a fraud scheme.

Police said suicide was suspected, but the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death of Brian Keith Wallen.

The 52-year-old was reported missing April 28 after his lawyer said Wallen had left a "goodbye" note. Officials said there was a separate suicide letter found at Wallen's residence in the 500 block of Wyngate Road.

Authorities conducted extensive searches around the reservoir for Wallen after his silver Jeep was located near Old Bosley at Dulaney Valley roads.

The hikers who came across Wallen's body on Sunday discovered it in a heavily wooded area about 0.5 mile from the Villa Maria School. It was east of Dulaney Valley Road, at least one mile from where Wallen's Jeep had been located.

Wallen was charged with mail fraud in connection with a $50 million telemarketing scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. He allegedly ran a Reisterstown-based company that sold light bulbs and cleaning supplies at prices up to 8,000 percent above the suppler's prices, federal officials alleged. He faced up to 20 years in prison in the case, which was a criminal complaint and not a finding of guilt.

Before the case could reach court, Wallen disappeared.

Related:

• Missing Man Wanted in $50M Fraud Scheme: U.S. Attorney
• Man Missing Since April 28 Left Suicide Note: Police
• Police Activity Closes Dulaney Valley Road Near Reservoir

Help for Those Considering Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.

The Baltimore County Crisis Response System is available at 410-931-2214, and the county offers a list of support groups for caregivers.

Pictured, Brian Wallen. Photo courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.