A federal judge Monday delayed the start of Congressman Duncan D. Hunter’s trial from Jan. 14 to Jan. 22 at the request of his attorneys because an appeals court has docketed a hearing in December
Hunter(R-Alpine), 42, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Whelan Monday to get the new date in the campaign corruption case.
Hunter has appealed Whelan’s refusal to drop some of the charges to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and they recently set a hearing for mid-December. They might take the decision under submission and not rule on it right away.
Hunter has pleaded not guilty to 43 counts of wire fraud, 13 counts of falsifying records, three counts of prohibited use of campaign finances and conspiracy with his use of campaign funds for personal expenses, such as groceries, restaurants, drinks, and a vacation.
His wife, Margaret Hunter, 44, of Alpine, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use funds from her husband’s campaign for which she was the manager. Sentencing was set for Dec. 2, and she is expected to testify against her husband at the trial.
The couple are estranged. Hunter has moved in with his father, Duncan Hunter Sr., to save on housing costs. His father, who held the same seat before he retired, accompanied him to court Monday.
Hunter is being challenged by other Republicans to represent the 50th District in the March primary. Former Congressman Darrell Issa, former San Diego City Councilmember Carl DeMaio, and Ca. state Senator Brian Jones are also running.
Duncan and Margaret Hunter remain free on $15,000 and $10,000 bond respectively.
