Edwards investigation may be nearing end

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The appearance of his ex-mistress at a Raleigh grand jury suggests a probe of former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., be ending, Washington sources said Sunday.

Rielle Hunter, with whom Edwards admitted having had an affair, seems to be cooperating with investigators, as she receives favorable treatment, The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported. Hunter was discreetly driven to the hearings and escorted in and out of a back door, the newspaper said.

The grand jury might also have taken testimony from Andrew Young, a former Edwards aide who first said he was the father or Hunter's 18-month-old daughter, but then recanted, the report said.

Edwards said the investigation is concentrated on whether campaign or non-profit funds were used to keep quiet his extramarital affair. If so, Hunter and Young may be among the last witnesses to appear before the grand jury, the newspaper said.

Edwards wrote last year he had "not been engaged in any activity of any description that requested, agreed to or supported payments of any kind to the woman or to the apparent father of the baby," the newspaper reported.

Edwards has declined interviews, the newspaper said, but in his last statement in May, he said he had not used funds inappropriately and he looked forward to a conclusion to the matter.