John Edwards Indictment Could Come Within Days: NBC News

John Edwards Indictment Could Reportedly Be Days Away

A week after John Edwards was called to testify on a sex tape supposedly depicting him involved in a sexual act with former campaign videographer and mistress Rielle Hunter, a report has surfaced claiming that prosecutors may soon press charges against the former presidential candidate for allegedly violating election laws through his relationship with Hunter.

Sources close to the investigation say Justice Department attorneys are now conducting a final review of evidence, and an indictment could come within days or weeks. In what could be an ominous development for Edwards, prosecutors already are making arrangements to record the sworn testimony of a key witness for possible use in a future trial, said the sources, speaking on condition of anonymity.

While Edwards' attorneys have denied that there is significant evidence to prove the former North Carolina senator's guilt, Stephen Saltzburg, a former federal prosecutor and George Washington University law professor told NBC that "It would be surprising now if he wasn't indicted."

Saltzburg continued: "If John Edwards was aware that money was being paid to hide his mistress... and it was done to help his campaign, then he's in trouble."

According to NBC, the charges reportedly sought by prosecutors will focus on allegations that Edwards directed the payment of more than $1 million in an effort to cover up his relationship with Hunter, which was taking place during his eventually unsuccessful campaign for president.

For more, check out NBC's report, or watch coverage of the latest developments from "The Today Show":

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot