NEW YORK - Bernard Madoff's claim to have pulled off his multibillion dollar swindle without assistance fell apart further Thursday, as one of his longtime aides was charged with helping him cook the books. Daniel Bonventre, an accountant who worked for Madoff since the late 1960s, was arrested early Thursday morning at his home in Manhattan, authorities said. He faces conspiracy, securities fraud and tax charges. The 63-year-old was also sued Thursday by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC accused Bonventre of falsifying records both to disguise Madoff's fraud and illegally enrich himself. Bonventre said nothing to reporters after making his initial court appearance on the charges in the afternoon. A judge freed him on a $5 million bond, secured by $2 million in assets. His attorney, Andrew Frisch, declined to comment on the case.

- Associated Press