Hunter spent campaign money on five 'personal relationships'

Prosecutors allege Rep. Duncan Hunter spent campaign money on five 'personal relationships'

By Alyssa Pereira

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R. - Calif.), who represents inland San Diego County, allegedly spent a substantial amount of campaign money on five individuals with whom the congressman was in "personal relationships."

The spending, according to a 47-page federal criminal indictment released late last month, includes charges for hotel stays, car rentals, and restaurant and golf club tabs while Hunter spent time with the individuals. According to defense attorney Gregory Vega, the prosecutor has photographic proof of these "relationships."

In August, Hunter and his wife, Margaret, were indicted on 60 charges stemming from an alleged misuse of $250,000 in campaign funds. They have been accused of wire fraud, conspiracy, falsifying records and campaign finance violations.

The pair, who have pleaded not guilty, reportedly spent the cash on vacations and restaurant bills.

Vega wrote in an August letter to the Justice Department that the charges the prosecutors are pursuing are vague, and constitute "conduct that falls into gray areas of civil election law," according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

"This is true even for personal indiscretions of the congressman that the prosecutors seem intent on charging," Vega wrote. "The supposed reason given for including these details is that they reflect spending of campaign funds for extramarital infidelities and excessive drinking."

Addressing the photographs in the letter, Vega added, "While there may be evidence of infidelity, irresponsibility or alcohol dependence, once properly understood, the underlying facts do not equate to criminal activity."

The pair, who have pleaded not guilty, reportedly spent the cash on vacations and restaurant bills.

Vega wrote in an August letter to the Justice Department that the charges the prosecutors are pursuing are vague, and constitute "conduct that falls into gray areas of civil election law," according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

"This is true even for personal indiscretions of the congressman that the prosecutors seem intent on charging," Vega wrote. "The supposed reason given for including these details is that they reflect spending of campaign funds for extramarital infidelities and excessive drinking."

Addressing the photographs in the letter, Vega added, "While there may be evidence of infidelity, irresponsibility or alcohol dependence, once properly understood, the underlying facts do not equate to criminal activity."