California Congressman Duncan Hunter illegally used campaign funds to finance romantic flings with lobbyists and congressional aides, spending thousands of dollars on meals, cocktails and vacations, federal prosecutors say.
Details about the married Republican congressman's alleged affairs were outlined in a government court filing late Monday connected to charges that Hunter and his wife misspent up to $250,000 in campaign money on trips and personal expenses.
Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty this month to one corruption count, and agreed to testify against her husband.
The congressman has said he is the target of politically motivated prosecutors. Rep. Hunter's lawyer, Gregory Vega, didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment about the new court filing.
Prosecutors said evidence about the congressman's affairs is necessary to "demonstrate Hunter's ... intent to break the law and to establish his motive to embezzle from his campaign."
In one case, prosecutors said Hunter was romantically involved with a lobbyist and began staying at her home while occasionally spending campaign funds for food and beverages.
