Former Democratic vice presidential nominee and two-time presidential candidate John Edwards has been indicted by a federal grand jury on six counts, including conspiracy, issuing false statements and violating contribution laws.c 

The Department of Justice claims Edwards used campaign donations to cover up his affair with Rielle Hunter, one of Edwards' videographers. Federal authorities have been investigating whether Edwards illegally spent over $1 million in 2008 campaign money to hide his relationship with Hunter, who became pregnant with Edwards' child during their affair. 

The government's key witness in the case against Edwards is Andrew Young, a former aide. Young provided 50 voice messages to prosecutors that allegedly reveal Edwards directing the cover up by keeping Hunter in lavish homes and having her flown around on private jets. When Edwards admitted the affair with Hunter in 2008, he was quoted as saying, "Over the course of several campaigns, I started to believe I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic."c 

If convicted on all counts, the former North Carolina governor could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $1.5 million. Edwards attorney, Greg Craig, said his client will plead not guilty.