Judge rejects subpoena requests for Boehner, Ohio attorney general

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A judge has rejected requests that U.S. House Speaker John Boehner and the state attorney general be forced to testify in a $100 million multistate fraud trial.

Subpoenas requested by an attorney for defendant Bobby Thompson were an attempt to show that Thompson’s GOP-leaning political donations were legal.

Cuyahoga County Judge Steven Gall on Friday turned down the requests for testimony by Boehner and Attorney General Mike DeWine, who has directed the fraud investigation.

DeWine filed a motion late Wednesday to quash the subpoenas, saying there was no indication the individuals have relevant evidence that can help the defendant.

Thompson goes on trial Monday in Cleveland on charges of defrauding people who donated to a reputed Navy Veterans charity.