Judge sets April trial date in John Edwards case

By MICHAEL BIESECKER
Associated Press

GREENSBORO, NC (AP) — The federal trial of former presidential candidate John Edwards is now scheduled to begin in April.

US District Judge Catherine C. Eagles ruled Thursday in Greensboro that jury selection will begin April 12, with the presentation of evidence to start April 23. Eagles expects the trial to last about six weeks.

The original January start date was delayed while Edwards was treated for a heart condition. Eagles says his health problems are now manageable.

Edwards’s lawyers and prosecutors were in court for a hearing on expected testimony by former campaign aide Andrew Young. Eagles was expected to take up those arguments later in the day.

Edwards has pleaded not guilty to charges of using campaign money to cover up an affair during his unsuccessful 2008 presidential candidacy.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)