Ohio trial opens for man accused in Navy vets scam
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS September 30, 2013 12:16PM
Bobby Thompson, a one-time fugitive, is headed to trial on charges of masterminding a $100 million multistate fraud on the guise of helping Navy veterans. | AP file photo
CLEVELAND — A onetime fugitive charged in a $100 million multistate fraud under the guise of helping Navy veterans is going on trial after losing a bid to subpoena U.S. House Speaker John Boehner and other leading Ohio politicians.
A judge in Cleveland rejected a renewed defense request Monday to subpoena the politicians. The defendant was trying to show his political donations were legal.
He calls himself Bobby Thompson, but authorities have identified him as lawyer and former military intelligence officer John Donald Cody.
The 67-year-old Thompson was dressed in a suit and tie Monday and passed notes to his attorney during final motions. Jury selection began afterward.
He is charged with defrauding people who donated to a reputed charity for Navy veterans, the United States Navy Veterans Association based in Tampa, Fla.
