A Caswell County jury took a little less than an hour to find former Sen. Hugh Webster not guilty of embezzlement and exploitation of an elder adult Thursday afternoon.

Webster, 65, a certified public accountant of Burlington, has been on trial since Monday on charges that he embezzled and exploited his 83-year-old aunt, Doris Nance, out of $12,115.49, The Burlington Times News reports.

"I am glad this chapter of my life is over," a teary-eyed Webster said. But, he added, "You never recover from this. The bell rang. It can't be unrang."

The state contended the money was meant to be invested on behalf of Nance, since Webster had power of attorney. Webster contended that the money was a gift.

Webster testified Wednesday that Nance was trying to get rid of assets because she was trying to qualify herself and her ex-husband, Robert Nance, for Medicaid.

The defense rested Wednesday shortly after noon but not before calling to the witness stand Fern Shubert, who like Webster is a certified public account and former state senator. Shubert testified about what some of the financial records in the case showed.

Calling his trial an "abomination," former state Sen. Hugh Webster took the stand Wednesday in Caswell County Superior Court and denied the allegations that he violated the trust of his elderly aunt and embezzled $12,000 from her.

Webster, 65, contends the check from his 83-year-old aunt was a gift, the Burlington Times-News reports.

The state has contended that the aunt gave Webster the money with the understanding that he was going to invest it for her by buying a CD at a credit union and that he did not give it back when she asked for it.

On the witness stand, Webster was asked whether he told an SBI agent that if he needed to steal it would be more than $12,000. Webster said, "I've had the opportunity to steal millions of dollars and I never stole a dime."

The Burlington Republican added, "What's happening here, right now, is an abomination."

Earlier in the day, while Webster's attorney Kieran Shanahan was arguing a motion to Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens, Webster walked out of court.

"I hope your client had some reason to leave the courtroom without the permission of the court," Stephens said calmly.

A minute later, Webster returned and sat down without saying a word.

The case continues today.

Who will replace Rep. Cary Allred in the House?

So far, "a bunch of folks" have said they're interested in the job, according to Alamance County Republican Party head Robert Simpson.

The most notable are County Commissioner Dan Ingle and former state Sen. Hugh Webster.

Also considering the post are attorney Keith Whited of Burlington, retired banker Steve Carter of Burlington, postal worker Kenneth Kruger of Graham.

Former secretary of state candidate Jack Sawyer was interested, but he does not live in the district, and Alamance GOP vice chairman Dennis Riddell took himself out of the running.

The party's 25-member executive committee will meet June 11 at the Alamance County Courthouse to choose among the candidates.

Gov. Beverly Perdue will then officially appoint their selection.

Former North Carolina state Sen. Hugh Webster turned himself into authorities Monday to face charges that accuse him of taking $12,000 from his elderly aunt.

Webster, who says he's innocent, turned himself in to Caswell County sheriff’s deputies and was released on an unsecured bond, the Associated Press reports. His next court date is Dec. 9.

The 65-year-old Webster was indicted on charges of embezzlement and exploitation. Prosecutors allege he was entrusted by his 80-year-old aunt to manage her financial affairs, but the account was converted to his own personal use.

Webster said the charges were politically motivated.

He served in the Legislature for six terms through 2006. He ran unsuccessfully for Congress this year, losing to incumbent Rep. Brad Miller.

Jack Betts says Beverly Perdue may be right to skip some debates.

In a post on This Old State, the longtime Charlotte Observer columnist writes that he used to think the Democratic gubernatorial candidate should debate more, though there's still a risk to skipping them.

It may confirm in some folks' mind that her advisers don't want her to participate in too many debates because it doesn't play to her strengths. I used to think her advisers were wrong, that after presiding over the Senate for nearly eight years and having to deal with such challenges as former Sen. Hugh Webster or Democratic leader Sen. Tony Rand, she wouldn't have any trouble with her opponents. But McCrory's the more polished campaigner in such head-to-head confrontations, though Perdue has improved some.

McCrory and Libertarian Mike Munger will appear at a debate on UNC-TV Wednesday.

U.S. Rep. Brad Miller may square off against an old nemesis next fall.

Former state Sen. Hugh Webster told the N.C. Republican Roundtable that he intends to file to run against the Raleigh Democrat.

Senator Hugh Webster will announce his candidacy for Congress, challenging Brad Miller to represent District 13 at North Carolina Republican Party Headquarters in Raleigh, Tuesday, February 26, "at high noon," Webster said.

Miller and Webster taunted one another constantly while they served in the state Senate. Webster's beef: Miller was a smarty pants. Miller's gripe: Webster asked ridiculous questions.

The announcement could mean a lot of grief for Miller. Of course, after running against Vernon Robinson, he should have pretty thick skin.