John Edwards Asked Centenarian for Millions Before Indictment

Disgraced Democrat John Edwards asked 100-year-old banking heiress Rachel “Bunny” Mellon for millions of dollars just eight days before he was charged with a six-count felony indictment.

The relationship between the one-time vice-presidential candidate and the elderly multi-millionairess was already under scrutiny when Edwards visited Mellon for lunch at her Virginia estate on May 26, ABC News reports.

One of the conditions of bail given to Edwards when he was indicted on June 3 was that he should have no contact with his benefactor, the widow of banking heir Paul Mellon.

Mellon has long been a supporter of Edwards and gave some $4 million to his failed 2008 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. The government alleges she was also the main source of money that Edwards used to conceal his affair with Rielle Hunter, the mother of his 3-year-old daughter.

Mellon, identified as “Person C” in the indictment against Edwards, is said to have provided more than $700,000 that was allegedly used to pay Hunter’s living and medical expenses.

Mellon’s attorney William Taylor, who was also at the meeting, told ABC that Edwards’ legal position was not discussed during the lunch.
ABC says it is unknown whether Mellon agreed to give more money to Edwards, but even if she did it would not be illegal as he is no longer campaigning for office.

Edwards is charged with conspiracy, making false statements and four charges of accepting illegal campaign donations.