Edwards’ Brother Enters Belated Plea

The brother of Sen. John Edwards, presumed Democratic vice presidential nominee, pleaded not guilty Monday to a 10-year-old charge of driving under the influence and was released on $5,000 bail.

Wesley Blake Edwards was allowed to return to his home in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., said Mike Knight, spokesman for the Arapahoe County district attorney’s office. A motions hearing and trial were scheduled for November. Edwards was ordered not to drink alcohol or drive without a license.

Edwards, 39, was arrested in Arapahoe County on Nov. 4, 1993, on suspicion of driving under the influence, careless driving and driving without insurance. A warrant was issued Jan. 6, 1994, after he failed to appear in court.

Harvey Steinberg, a lawyer representing Edwards, contacted the district attorney’s office after the New York Daily News and North Carolina newspapers reported details of the warrant. Arrangements were made for Edwards to turn himself in.

Steinberg said Edwards “wishes he would have handled this matter earlier.”