ACCUSED ON THEIR OWN

'No Way' Cop Union Will Cover Pair's Defence

NEWMARKET -- There's "no way" the police union will cover the legal
costs of the two Toronto cops accused of growing pot, a source said.

Although Toronto Police Association lawyer Gary Clewley represented
Consts. Patrick Lee and Kevin Bourne yesterday before they were
released on consent, it's "highly unlikely" the 8,000-member union
will pick up the tab for the rest of the defence of the two accused
officers, said a source familiar with the case.

"There isn't a chance, forget it," the source said, adding it's not
mandatory for the union to defend officers charged with criminal offences.

Lee, 31, an eight-year veteran stationed at the Jane and Finch-area 31
Division, and Bourne, 33, a nine-year veteran based in the downtown 51
Division, each face charges in an alleged sophisticated
marijuana-growing operation that was busted Thursday in a joint probe
by Toronto, York, and Peel cops.

In a Newmarket court yesterday, Lee's mother wept minutes before he
was re -leased on a $50,000 bail. She also fought back tears as she
saw her burly T-shirted son in the prisoner's box as she stood as his
surety.

"They're understandably upset. No one wants to see their loved ones in
custody, especially when they are used to being on the other side,"
said Clewley, lawyer for both police officers and for charged
Correctional Services officer Roberta McNabb.

McNabb, 39, and fellow jail guard Adam Valenti, 46, also face charges
in the alleged grow-op ring. They were also released on consent.

An entire family, including Lee's alleged girlfriend, Jessie Nguyen,
her sister Jen, their mom, Ngoc Nguyen, and father, Tinh Do, were
arrested at their home, an alleged grow-op in Mississauga. A
17-year-old girl, who cannot be named, was also charged at that address.

The family postponed their bail hearings until Monday.

"Everybody is embarrassed. (It is alleged that) Bourne had a grow-op
in his home," Clewley said.

"His wife (Wendi, 32) has also been charged."

Wendi Bourne also wept in the prisoner's box yesterday.

Vaughan municipal officials deemed the Bourne home on Vania Dr., near
Hwy. 400 and Major Mackenzie Dr., unsafe because "of an illicit
marijuana grow op/clandestine lab."

Also, a hole through the concrete foundation made the house
structurally unsafe. "There have been alterations to electrical
components" in the modest two-storey house, a document taped to the
front door stated.

The police officers are suspended with pay pending the outcome of the
criminal prosecution.

Clewley defended the practice, saying stripping them of their pay
"amounts to being terminated before hearing a single lick of evidence."

"They shouldn't be punished in advance," Clewley told
reporters.

"This is a rarity, two people out of 7,300 (police employees). They
all do a good job and these two are presumed innocent."

It's not known if Lee or Bourne, or both, will apply to the union for
legal coverage.

The Toronto Police Association often represents officers in their
first court appearance after arrest, but after that, union rules
dictate that any accused officer must then apply to the police union's
Legal Assistance Team to determine whether or not the dues of the TPA
will front the legal bill.

The Bourne home was empty yesterday, but an unplated Volvo and an Audi
remained on the driveway, and a baby seat was left by the garage.

Neighbour Juliet Rahana said area residents would let their children
play in front yards without fear because their neighbour is a cop.

"You know what? They were very nice people," she said. "You can't
trust nobody. You don't know what's going on with your neighbour."

The Bournes have a son about 16 months old and a "well-behaved"
Doberman, and moved in about a year ago, neighbours said. The boy is
with grandparents.

The house has been repeatedly sold privately, Rahana
said.

The officers were among 22 people arrested and charged in a series of
raids.