Ruling means June trial in Perdue campaign probe

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A judge’s decision to refuse to dismiss charges against two people linked to North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue’s 2008 campaign means the first trial is slated to begin next month.

Judge Abraham Jones denied motions by lawyers for Perdue campaign donor “Buzzy” Stubbs and former campaign aide Juleigh Sitton. They were indicted last November on charges that stemmed from an investigation into dozens of unreported flights by Perdue’s winning campaign.

The pair’s attorneys argued their clients shouldn’t have been charged with obstruction of justice and that it was wrong for any indictments to be filed in Wake County. Jones formally disagreed in an order filed late Wednesday.

Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby has said he wants to try Stubbs first the week of June 11.

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