PITTSBORO, N.C. — A judge wants to put a sex tape of two-time presidential candidate John Edwards “under lock and key,” demanding Friday that a former aide to the pilloried politician turn over the video by Wednesday.
Superior Court Judge Abraham Penn Jones reprimanded Andrew Young during a court hearing for not surrendering the video when deputies went to retrieve it last week. Jones declared that the estranged Edwards confidant could face jail for contempt if he does not relinquish the tape and other items.
“These items are to be produced and turned over to the court,” Jones said. “The court will put them under lock and key — and under seal — until the lawsuit is resolved.”
Edwards’ former mistress, Rielle Hunter, had won a temporary restraining order against Young that sought the return of what she called a “very private and personal” video she made in 2006. She has sued Young for invasion of privacy.
The original sex tape is in an Atlanta safe deposit box, according to an affidavit filed by Young on Friday night. He says another copy has been turned over to the FBI, which has been investigating the money that exchanged hands during Edwards’ second White House campaign.
An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment.
Young told reporters after the court hearing that he and his wife, Cheri, were happy to comply and supply the items. He has previously said that he kept the tape as security and proof of his story.
