Rep. Duncan Hunter pleads guilty to misusing campaign funds

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Rep. Duncan Hunter on Tuesday pleaded guilty in federal court in San Diego to misusing campaign funds.

The hearing came one day after the Republican from California indicated he'll also be stepping down from Congress.

Hunter faces up to five years in prison when he appears for his sentencing March 17. Prosecutor Phil Halpern said he plans to seek a prison sentence of at least one year.

Hunter didn't explicitly say he plans to step down from the House on Monday, but made reference to the office's transition.

"My office is going to remain open. We're going to pass it off to whoever takes this seat next. I think it's important to keep the seat a Republican seat," he said.

Both Hunter and his wife, Margaret Hunter, originally pleaded not guilty to the 60-count federal indictment alleging they used more than $250,000 of his campaign re-election funds for personal expenses such as video games, private school tuition, oral surgery and utilities between 2009 and 2016.

In June, Margaret Hunter changed her plea, pleading guilty to a single count of conspiracy.

Before changing his plea, Hunter repeatedly denied the charges, describing the case as a "witch hunt."

Daniel Uria contributed to this report.