Wife of indicted California congressman seeks to testify

The Associated Press

5 years ago

FILE - In this June 13, 2019, file photo, Margaret Hunter, wife of indicted Republican U.S. Rep ... — FILE – In this June 13, 2019, file photo, Margaret Hunter, wife of indicted Republican U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, arrives at the federal courthouse in downtown San Diego. Duncan Hunter, who is facing corruption charges, wants his Sept. 10 trial postponed while his attorneys appeal a judge’s refusal a month earlier to dismiss the case. Hunter and his wife are accused of misusing $250,000 in campaign funds. Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty to one count. (John Gibbins/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP, File)

SAN DIEGO — Federal prosecutors and the defense attorneys of the wife of Republican U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter want her sentencing tied to the misuse of campaign funds moved until after her husband’s trial.

The request was filed Tuesday in federal court in San Diego.

Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. Prosecutors say she and the California lawmaker misspent $250,000 in campaign funds on everything from family trips to tequila shots.

In her plea deal, Margaret Hunter agreed to testify against her husband. The California lawmaker has pleaded not guilty and called it a partisan witch hunt. He is running for re-election.

His trial is scheduled for Jan. 22. Margaret Hunter wants her sentencing moved to April.