John Edwards’ former aide admits most of nearly $1M campaign cash went to his NC home
Andrew Young, former aide to Former US Sen. John Edwards arrives at the Federal courthouse to testify against Edwards’ on the first day of trial on April 23, 2012 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The once Democratic presidential candidate, Edwards plead not guilty to six counts of campaign finance violations.
John Edwards’ former aide and top campaign manager, Andrew Young, said most of the nearly $1 million in campaign donations went to build his North Carolina dream home, not to cover up Edwards' affair with Rielle Hunter, the Associated Press reported.
Andrew Young returned to the stand Thursday on the fourth day of Edwards' corruption trial.
Defense lawyers were on the offensive, attacking Young's credibility, according to the Associated Press.
Edwards' attorney Abbe Lowell asked about the money that was sent to accounts controlled by Young and his wife, Cheri, and about construction of a pool, home theater and extra bedroom.
“We were living out in Santa Barbara and we lost our sense of perspective,” Young said. “The house became more and more extravagant.”
Reuters reported that Young admitted wealthy supporter Fred Baron wired $325,000 to Young's builder to help complete construction.
But Young said he had incurred major expenses while helping to hide Edwards' mistress, who gave birth in February 2008.
Young said Edwards denied knowing of the payoffs during an August 2008 exchange.
More from GlobalPost: Andrew Young, John Edwards' aide, takes the stand for second day
The AP wrote during the trial, Edwards often stares at his former aide but Young has not once looked in Edwards' direction. If found guilty, he faces a maximum up to 30 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines.
The former senator from North Carolina has pleaded not guilty to six counts related to campaign finance violations.
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