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.
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