GOP Congressman Duncan Hunter Indicted For Embezzling Campaign Funds
Congressman will remain on the ballot in November despite indictment.
Republican Duncan Hunter of California and his wife were indicted Tuesday on charges of embezzling and misusing at least $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses, the Department of Justice announced.
According to prosecutors, the California Republican used the funds to purchase lavish trips to Italy and Hawaii, to pay for his children’s tuition and even to pay for his family’s dental work.
The DOJ also noted that thousands of dollars were also spent on “fast food, movie tickets, golf outings, video games, coffee, groceries, home utilities, and expensive meals.”
The allegations were detailed in a 48-page indictment returned by a federal grand jury in California.
Congressman Hunter is running for reelection in November in California’s 50th district and the California Secretary of State said Tuesday that it is too late to remove Hunter’s name from the ballot.
“The indictment alleges that Congressman Hunter and his wife repeatedly dipped into campaign coffers as if they were personal bank accounts, and falsified FEC campaign finance reports to cover their tracks,” U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman said in a statement.
“Elected representatives should jealously guard the public’s trust, not abuse their positions for personal gain. Today’s indictment is a reminder that no one is above the law.”
[image via HBO screenshot]
