RALEIGH, NC (WBTV) - A federal grand jury is expected to hear this week the case against former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards.
WRAL.com reports the former U.S. senator could possibly be in indicted on criminal charges if the grand jury decides there was enough evidence showing he violated campaign finance laws.
Related: Edwards suicidal over possible jail time, magazine claims
According to a book written by former Edwards' aide Andrew Young entitled "The Politician," heiress Rachel "Bunny" Mellon gave Edwards $700,000 as a gift.
WRAL.com says Mellon's money was used to cover-up Edwards' extramarital affair with Rielle Hunter, a video producer who was pregnant with Edwards' child during the 2008 presidential campaign.
Mellon has been interviewed by federal agents during the course of their investigation.
Her attorney said Edwards visited Mellon's home in Virginia last week, but told the Associated Press they did not discuss the case, WRAL.com said.
WRAL says Edwards is considering a plea deal to conclude the investigation.
Edwards has been criticized for failing to list Mellon's contribution in his campaign finance reports.
Copyright 2011 WBTV. All rights reserved.
