Congressman denies US$250,000 corruption

A Republican congressman and his wife denied syphoning US$250,000 (RM1.03 mil) of campaign funds for a litany of private expenses including tequila shots and a plane ticket for their pet rabbit.

Duncan and Margaret Hunter are accused of misusing the cash over seven years for numerous inappropriate expenses, such as family vacations to Hawaii and Italy, dental bills and theatre tickets.

A federal court in San Diego set the politician’s bond at US$15,000 (RM61,656) while his wife was released for US$10,000 (RM41,410) after prosecutors noted that the couple were living “paycheck to paycheck”.

Protesters chanted “shame, shame” as Hunter – a former Marine who represents much of eastern San Diego County – walked briskly out of the courthouse without speaking to reporters.

Echoing President Donald Trump’s complaints of bias over Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian election interference, Hunter claims the case against him is politically motivated.

“The congressman has faced more difficult battles than this,” his attorney Gregory Vega said.

“He looks forward to his day in court.”

The Hunters were indicted on Tuesday by a federal grand jury in San Diego on charges of conspiracy to commit offences against the United States, wire fraud, falsification of records and prohibited use of campaign contributions – all of which they deny.