Edwards adds sex tape case lawyers to defense team

GREENSBORO, NC (AP) — Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards has added two Greensboro lawyers who recently represented his mistress in a legal fight over the couple’s sex tape to the defense team for his upcoming criminal trial.

Alan W. Duncan and Allison Van Laningham represented Rielle Hunter in her civil lawsuit against former Edwards aide Andrew Young over ownership of the intimate video and other personal items. That case ended last month with a settlement that orders that all copies of the tape be destroyed.

Edwards faces six criminal counts related to campaign finance violations over nearly $1 million from two wealthy donors used to hide the pregnant Hunter as he sought the White House in 2008. He has pleaded not guilty.

Jury selection for Edwards’ trial is to begin April 12.

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