Wright jury hears from SBI agent

Testimony has begun in the obstruction of justice trial of former state Rep. Thomas Wright.

Prosecutors called as their first witness State Bureau of Investigation agent Johnnie Umphlet, who began investigating Wright in May 2007. Umphlet testified about campaign finance reports that Wright has filed since 2000.

Also Monday afternoon jurors heard brief opening statements from Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby and Wright's attorney, Doug Harris.

Willoughby said he will call on jurors to determine that Wright's failure to disclose campaign contributions deprived the public of information about the Wilmington Democrat's campaign dealings.

Harris asked jurors to question whether Wright's conduct is even a crime.