A judge found that created probable cause that the four had acted in contempt of the court's order.

But Woodall determined "there is insufficient evidence to sustain a criminal prosecution in this matter beyond a reasonable doubt." The lead prosecutor for a two-county district that includes Chapel Hill, where both the Youngs and Edwards live, said the case would be dismissed.

Raleigh lawyer Philip R. Isley did not immediately return a call seeking comment. He represents Andrew Young, his wife Cheri and their lawyers Robert Elliot and David Pishko.

Andrew Young was the government's star witness at Edwards' campaign corruption trial this spring, spending more than a week on the witness stand. Edwards was acquitted on one count and the jury deadlocked on five others. The U.S. Justice Department decided against retrying Edwards.

Young was once so loyal to Edwards he falsely claimed paternity of the baby the presidential candidate fathered with Hunter.