Former U.S. senator and presidential candidate John Edwards pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and campaign law violations in early June 2011.c His mugshots—taken in North Carolina on June 4—were released on June 15 under the Freedom of Information Act.c The images reveal a relaxed and confident Edwards smiling casually at the camera. The 58-year-old Democrat was released without having to post bail, although he was required to take a urine test.c 

At court with his daughter Cate, he read a statement proclaiming his innocence, "I did not break the law and I have never, ever thought I was breaking the law." Edwards is charged with using $1 million in 2008 campaign money to cover up his affair with Rielle Hunter—who was pregnant with his child while his wife, Elizabeth, was battling cancer.c

Edwards will be back in court on July 11, 2011.