The coronavirus was blamed for the delay in the sentencing of Margaret Hunter, the estranged wife of former Congressman Duncan Hunter, who will now be sentenced on May 4.
The U.S. Attorney’s office and Hunter’s lawyers both asked to delay the April 6 sentencing for Margaret Hunter, 44, citing the outbreak of the coronavirus that has limited federal staffing at U.S. District Court in San Diego.
Judge Thomas Whelan delayed the sentencing April 2 to May 4 and she remains free on $10,000 bond.
Both Duncan Hunter and Margaret Hunter have both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use campaign funds of his donors.
Duncan Hunter, 43, of Alpine, was sentenced March 17 to 11 months in federal prison. Judge Thomas Whelan allowed him to remain free on $15,000 bond until he surrenders on May 29. He lives with his father in Alpine.
Duncan Hunter asked Whelan not to sentence his wife to prison because she would be needed to take care of their children while he is incarcerated.
When Duncan Hunter appeared before Whelan, he asked the judge to “take sympathy” on his wife “and not give her time in custody.”
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.
