FOXNews.com: Jury weighs mountain of evidence in Edwards trial deliberations

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Jury weighs mountain of evidence in Edwards trial deliberations May 21st 2012, 18:18 The jury in the John Edwards case hunkered down for what could be another full day of deliberations Monday, as the politician and his family awaited the verdict in his high-profile corruption trial.  In the North Carolina courtroom Monday, Edwards' mother could be seen holding tissues when the jury returned before heading out on a lunch break. She was wearing a gold cross about two inches long.  After what was, at times, an emotional trial, the jury is now sifting through a mountain of evidence as they weigh Edwards' fate. The former presidential candidate and one-time Democratic vice presidential nominee faces up to 30 years in prison on campaign finance charges.  As part of their deliberations, the jurors have asked to review several pieces of prosecution evidence.  The items include checks from Edwards' supporter Rachel "Bunny" Mellon to interior decorator Bryan Huffman that were co-signed and deposited by the wife of former Edwards campaign aide Andrew Young.  Edwards is accused of funneling more than $1 million from Mellon and another wealthy political donor to his mistress to cover up their affair. Jurors on Friday also asked to see a transcript of an August 2008 voicemail message, in which Edwards tells Young about an upcoming meeting with Mellon.  According to the transcript, Edwards tells Young, "Immediately after lunch, she and I will break out into a private session for a couple of hours. That's when we'll do our work, including the work about you, and makin' sure you're, uh, protected and included..."  The jury also asked to review a note Mellon wrote Young in April 2007 after Edwards took heat in the media for spending $400 on a haircut.  In the note, Mellon writes, "...from now on, all haircuts, etc., that are necessary and important for his campaign -- please send the bills to me -- ? Alex Forger in New York. It is a way to help our friend without government restrictions."  The defense argues that Edwards may have sinned in his affair, but broke no law in the cover-up.  The prosecution argues that the $1 million from the wealthy donors constituted an illegal campaign donation since, they claim, it was used to protect his 2008 presidential bid.  Fox News' Jonathan Serrie contributed to this report.

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