An ex-aide to presidential candidate John Edwards is expected to retake the witness stand once again to face tough questions about secret donor money funneled to pay personal expenses.
Andrew Young was the first witness called by prosecutors after opening statements Monday and he has remained on the stand all week. Young's testimony is essential to making the government's case that Edwards directed a conspiracy to use nearly $1 million in secret payments from two political donors to help hide his pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008. Edwards denies knowing about the money and has pleaded not guilty.
A defense lawyer forced Young to acknowledge Thursday that much of the money went to help build his family's $1.5 million dream house, not provide for the mistress.
Andrew Young testified for a fourth day Thursday at Edwards' campaign finance trial in Greensboro, N.C.
Edwards attorney Abbe Lowell peppered Young with questions about money that flowed into personal accounts controlled by Young and his wife. Young acknowledged most of the money helped build the couple's $1.5 million house near Chapel Hill, N.C.
Young has said he took secret payments from wealthy donors at Edwards' direction to help conceal the presidential contender's affair with a pregnant mistress.
Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six criminal charges and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
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