Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
John Edwards Indicted For Using Campaign Funds To Hide Affair
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 3, 2011
Modified Jun 3, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 3, 2011
Modified Jun 3, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Two-time presidential candidate John Edwards has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Raleigh over campaign money he used to hide his affair with his mistress during his 2008 campaign for the White House. The six count indictment includes conspiracy, four counts of illegal campaign contributions and one count of false statements. You can read the full indictment here.
The charges stem from a years-long investigation into whether Edwards used $750,000 in campaign funds to hide his mistress Rielle Hunter, with whom he had a child. Edwards met Hunter at the bar at the Regency Hotel while Edwards was on a press junket in 2005. She joined him on the road in 2007 to make a "documentary" about his campaign; for years, Edwards denied he was the father of Hunter's child, but finally tearfully admitted it last year. Former lacky Andrew Young testified that he estimated that it cost Edwards' benefactors $1 million in cash, private jets and hotel rooms to cover up the affair and Hunter's pregnancy.
According to the LA Times, Edwards has reportedly been offered deals to lessen criminal penalties in return for admission of guilt, but he has refused to plead guilty to a felony offense. According to the Times, Edwards has chosen to fight the charges, which could lead to a long public trial and possible jail sentence for Edwards. It seems likely that no matter what, he will also lose his law license.
Tagged
affairs
indicted
indictment
john edwards
politicians
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. ET
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
News
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .