Man calls VA fine threat over photo 'intimidation'

BILLINGS (AP) — A Billings man who transports disabled veterans says he was threatened with a $50 fine after appearing in a photograph alongside a newspaper article critical of a new Veterans Administration clinic.

Saunders was in an Aug. 15 Billings Gazette photo with an article about problems with the opening of the $6.3 million Billings clinic.

Ed Saunders says a VA police officer told him unauthorized photos on VA property are not allowed. Saunders says officer Steve McCullom told him the rule was a way to check for terrorism activity.

VA spokesman Randy Martin said the issue is patient privacy. Federal regulations allow news photographs to be taken at VA entrances, lobbies or other designated places.

Saunders says he has not paid the fine and he believes the threat was to intimidate him.