Thursday, May 10, 2012

Prosecutors expected to rest case against John Edwards Thursday without calling Rielle Hunter to the stand - @AP

by Associated Press

WCNC.com

Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:16 AM

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Prosecutors expect to rest their case against John Edwards without calling the former presidential candidate's mistress to the witness stand.

Lead prosecutor David Harbach said in court Wednesday the government expects to finish presenting evidence Thursday with testimony from three federal agents who investigated Edwards. If so, the prosecution will not call Rielle Hunter, the woman whose affair with the married Democrat left him facing six criminal counts related to campaign finance violations.

Defense lawyers also listed Hunter, who has an immunity agreement with the government, as a potential witness. They could still call her to the stand next week.

Prosecutors say Edwards masterminded a plan to use secret payments from two wealthy donors to hide his pregnant mistress during his 2008 campaign. Edwards has pleaded not guilty.