Wednesday federal prosecutors dropped all charges against John Edwards after his corruption trial ended last month in a deadlocked jury.
STORY: John Edwards Jury Reaches Verdict
According to the Associated Press, jurors in North Carolina acquitted the former presidential candidate on one count of accepting illegal campaign contributions and deadlocked on five other felony counts.
Prosecutors will not seek to retry Edwards on the five unresolved counts, according to a U.S. Justice Department statement.
Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer, who oversees the agency’s criminal division, said prosecutors knew the case, like all campaign finance cases, would be challenging. But he said it is “our duty to bring hard cases” when warranted.
Edwards was accused of orchestrating a scheme to use about $1 million in secret payments from two wealthy political donors to hide his pregnant mistress as he sought a spot in the White House in 2008.
Thank God Edwards is able to enjoy the rest of his life with his family. The man made a mistake, which he deeply regrets. We pray his wife forgives him for his indiscretion, and we should do the same.
