The jury in the high-profile case of John Edwards, a former presidential candidate for the presidency of the United States, announced that they had reached a verdict in one of the six counts against Edwards.

Without hearing the outcome of the juror’s deliberations on the third count against Edwards, the Judge in the case, Judge Catherine Eagles ordered the jurors back into deliberation to decide whether or not they can come to a verdict on the remaining counts. After apologising to the jurors Eagles told the them, “I was obviously under the impression you had reached a verdict on all six counts.”

The third charge against Edwards is whether he had accepted illegal campaign contributions from Rachel “Bunny” Mellon in 2008.

The trial was focused on the roughly $1 million funneled to Edward’s former aide Andrew Young and his mistress Rielle Hunter. The trial that went on for weeks revealed the sordid details of the sex scandal.

Rachel Mellon, who is 101 years old was not asked to testify. Fred Baron, the other benfactor died in 2008. Before his death, Baron stated that he provided the funds on his own and did not tell Edwards about it. That moneywas funneled to Young. Much of that money was used by Young to pay for construction of his $1.6 million family home.

It was the prosecution’s responsibilty in this case to prove that the funds qualified as campaign contributions and if so, that Edwards accepted them with the knowledge that in doing so, he was breaking the law. The prosecution pointed out in court that Edwards knew of the money being funneled to Young and Hunter and that he was aware of the $2,300 legal limit on contributions.

Defense lawyers showed in court however, bank statements showing that much of the $1 million meant to hide Ms. Hunter was spent for other purposes, such as finishing Mr. Young’s million-dollar dream house in Chapel Hill.

Yesterday, Judge Eagle dismissed the four alternate jurors, labeled the “Giggle Gang,” telling them they can “go on with your lives.” But also told them that they would need to remain on call in case they were needed. “Everyone in the court room is going to miss your cheerful faces,” she added.

Judge Eagle admonished the jurors on Tuesday and Wednesday that they needed to “control your words,” pointing out that problems can arise. This was after receiving a note from one of the jurors.

If convicted on all counts, Edwards can possibly face 30 years in prison.