He is the epitome of a shameless shyster.  Trial lawyer turned political opportunist John Edwards may be about to be slapped by the long hand of the law he exploited for profit for so many years.

According to the Today Show:

A two-year grand jury investigation of John Edwards has reached a decisive point. Prosecutors believe they have a strong case, but have not yet gotten a green light from the Justice Department to charge the former presidential candidate, NBC News has learned. The issue: did Edwards violate election laws by trying to cover up his affair with a campaign videographer, Rielle Hunter.

 

Sources close to the investigation say Justice Department attorneys are now conducting a final review of evidence, and an indictment could come within days or weeks. In what could be an ominous development for Edwards, prosecutors already are making arrangements to record the sworn testimony of a key witness for possible use in a future trial, said the sources, speaking on condition of anonymity.

 

"It would be surprising now if he wasn't indicted," said Stephen Saltzburg, a former federal prosecutor and George Washington University law professor. "If John Edwards was aware that money was being paid to hide his mistress... and it was done to help his campaign, then he's in trouble."

 

Federal prosecutors are trying to prove Edwards had a hand in the payment of more than $1 million provided by two key supporters...money used, according to numerous sources, to keep Hunter quiet and out of sight. Prosecutors are examining whether the money spent on Hunter should have been treated and reported as campaign contributions, since keeping her way from the press was crucial to Edwards remaining a viable candidate. One year ago, Edwards admitted he fathered a little girl with Hunter. Frances Quinn Hunter turns 3 on Feb. 27.

 

Key testimony will come from a former aide who acted as middleman for the transactions.

It isn't good or noble to glory in the misfortune of others.  But John Edwards has brought this on himself with his unscrupulous behavior.  It's hard not to feel a sense of satisfaction if justice is served.