Edwards' aide accused of stealing sex tape

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Lawyers representing Rielle Hunter, John Edwards' mistress, allege Edwards' former aide, Andrew Young, stole a sex tape featuring the former U.S. senator.

Hunter's attorneys alleged in a court hearing Tuesday that Young not only stole the tape featuring their client and the former presidential candidate, but attempted to use it for monetary gain, the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer said Wednesday.

In January, Hunter filed a lawsuit against Young and his wife, Cheri, in an attempt to obtain the sex tape.

"It is horrifying to me that my privacy has been so invaded, even more so because it was part of an effort by the Youngs to make money," Hunter alleges.

Young maintains the tape was found in a box of garbage at a home in Chatham County, N.C., that had been leased for Hunter. The New & Observer said Hunter insists the tape was in storage at the home.

"If they don't have a malicious purpose, then why not return the items?" attorney Allison Van Laningham, who is representing Hunter, asked of the Youngs. "It doesn't make sense for someone with proper motives to fight this fight."