Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
T.J. Bonner, who led the labor union for Border Patrol agents for two decades, is accused of defrauding the union out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, U-T San Diego reports.
Bonner, known for his fearless criticism over government policy, has filed numerous pretrial motions in an attempt to get the case dismissed.
For one, Bonner claims the search warrants used against him were invalid. He also says the agents who handled the probe had no authority to do so, U-T San Diego wrote.
Bonner, 59, who led the National Border Patrol Council from 1989 to 201, has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy.
U-T San Diego reports that Bonner is accused of filing false claims for reimbursements for wages, meals and travel. In some cases, investigators said, Bonner was visiting a mistress instead of doing union work.
