Rep. Duncan Hunter, the San Diego Republican indicted on charges he used campaign funds for personal expenses, will plead guilty Tuesday in federal court to a conspiracy count in a plea bargain, lawyer Paul Pfingst said Monday.
"My trial was set for Jan. 22; that's not going to happen now. On tomorrow, on Tuesday, I'm going to change my plea to guilty. I think it's important not to have a public trial for three reasons, and those three reasons are my kids," Hunter said in an interview with KUSI News.
"I think it's, it'd be really tough for them. It's hard enough being the kids of a public figure. I think it's time for them to live life outside the spotlight. But it's been a privilege to serve in Congress for 11 years, three tours in the Marine Corps and the wars. So I think we've done a lot of great things for the nation."
Hunter illegally used campaign money to finance romantic flings with lobbyists and congressional aides, spending thousands of dollars on meals, cocktails, and vacations, federal prosecutors said in a government filing in June.
The filing also detailed allegations about the married Republican congressman's affairs with five women following an indictment last year charging Hunter and his wife with misspending more than $200,000 in campaign funds on trips and other personal expenses.
Hunter's change of plea hearing is set for Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. before Judge Thomas J. Whelan.