Edwards Pleads Not Guilty

CNN reports:

Former Democratic vice presidential nominee and two-time presidential candidate John Edwards pleaded not guilty Friday to conspiracy and campaign law violations, acknowledging that he had "done wrong," but denying that he broke the law.

His plea came hours after a federal grand jury indicted him on six counts, including conspiracy, issuing false statements and violating campaign contribution laws.

"There's no question that I've done wrong," Edwards told reporters outside federal court in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "But I did not break the law and I never, ever thought I was breaking the law."

He was released on his own recognizance, but was ordered to surrender his passport and remain within the lower 48 states.

If convicted on all counts, Edwards would face up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1.5 million.

Edwards' attorney, Greg Craig, insisted the former North Carolina senator "will mount a vigorous defense."

A grand jury has been investigating whether money given to support Edwards' mistress, Rielle Hunter, by benefactors of Edwards should have been considered campaign donations, a contention Edwards' team has disputed.

Prosecutors allege that Edwards improperly accepted over $900,000 as part of an effort to conceal facts he believed would damage his White House bid.

Plea discussions had been ongoing between Edwards' defense lawyers and federal prosecutors, but no agreement was reached. Edwards had not wanted to plead guilty to a felony because he could lose his law license, a source familiar with the inquiry previously told CNN.