John Edwards Found Not Guilty On 1 Count, Judge Declares Mistrial On 5 Others

After nine days of deliberation, the jury (which was seated on April 23) reached a verdict in the John Edwards trial, finding him not guilty on count 3, which pertained to illegal campaign contributions in 2008. With the jury deadlocked, the judge declared a mistrial on the 5 other counts.

Edwards faced six felony counts — including four counts of collecting illegal campaign contributions, one of conspiracy and one related to filing false records. A two-year investigation looked into whether Edwards used political donations to cover up his affair and illegitimate child.

The charges carry a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, though legal experts had said it’s unlikely that Edwards, if convicted, would face those full penalties. Among its arguments, the defense team said the money was a personal gift from friends.

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