John Edwards testimony in sex tape case delayed

By TOM BREEN
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — John Edwards will not have to testify in a case involving a purported sex tape with his mistress until after criminal charges against him are resolved.

Judge Carl Fox ruled Thursday that it was necessary in the interest of justice to delay a deposition of the two-time presidential candidate. Fox says the stakes are too high to risk violating Edwards’ right against self-incrimination.

Edwards says the case should wait for the outcome of a federal indictment on charges of violating campaign finance laws. The 2004 Democratic vice-presidential nominee has pleaded not guilty.

In the tape lawsuit, former mistress Rielle Hunter contends that former Edwards campaign aide Andrew Young improperly took from her sensitive materials, including a reputed sex tape showing Edwards. She wants the items returned.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)