The coronavirus was again blamed for the delay in the sentencing of Margaret Hunter who will now be sentenced on June 8.
“In order to protect public safety and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, the parties jointly request that Margaret Hunter’s sentence be continued an additional 30 days,” stated the motion.
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Whelan granted the motion April 27. Margaret Hunter, 44, who is the estranged wife of former Congressman Duncan Hunter, remains free on $10,000 bond.
Authorities have discouraged gatherings with more than 10 people in a room. Usually, there are almost 10 court personnel at a sentencing, leaving almost no room for family members, press, or the public.
When Duncan Hunter was sentenced March 17, Whelan noted there were 47 people present in the courtroom. At that time, guidelines recommended no more than 50 people.
Both Duncan Hunter, 43, of Alpine, and Margaret Hunter, 44, of La Mesa, have both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use campaign funds of his donors.
Duncan Hunter will surrender May 29 to begin his 11-month prison term. He remains free on $15,000 bond. Hunter asked Whelan not to give his wife any time in prison so she can take care of their children.
Duncan Hunter had blamed his wife for most of the $250,000 losses since she worked as his campaign manager. He paid $60,000 back to the campaign in 2017. He resigned his seat in January after he pleaded guilty.
