Former Edwards aide to retake the witnesses stand

[April 24, 2012]  GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Testimony at the criminal trial of former presidential candidate John Edwards will resume with former aide Andrew Young expected to retake the stand for a second day in North Carolina.

Young was the first witness called by prosecutors Monday. The former aide is key to making the government's case that Edwards masterminded the effort to use nearly $1 million in secret payments from wealthy campaign donors to hide his pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008. Young falsely claimed paternity of his boss' child and moved the woman in with his wife and family.

Edwards' defense lawyers will seek to show Young siphoned off much of the secret money to build a $1.5 million dream house.

Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six criminal counts related to campaign finance violations.

[Associated Press]

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