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Congressman: Block evidence of trysts in corruption case

June 29, 2019 GMT

FILE - In this Aug. 23, 2018, file photo, Republican U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., leaves an arraignment hearing in San Diego after he and his wife, Margaret, pleaded not guilty to charges they illegally used his campaign account for personal expenses. Federal prosecutors say Hunter illegally used campaign funds to finance romantic flings with a series of women, spending thousands of dollars on meals, drinks and vacations. Allegations about the married Republican congressman's affairs were outlined in a government court filing late Monday, June 24, 2019, connected to charges he and his wife misspent more than $200,000 on trips and personal expenses. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Indicted California Rep. Duncan Hunter is asking a judge to reject an attempt by prosecutors to introduce evidence that the congressman used campaign funds to finance a string of extramarital relationships.

In a motion Friday, the congressman’s lawyers say prosecutors are seeking permission “to focus the jury’s attention on Mr. Hunter’s infidelity.”

They say evidence that some of Hunter’s relationships were romantic isn’t necessary for a jury to evaluate the case.

Allegations about the married Republican congressman’s affairs were outlined in a government court filing Monday, connected to charges he and his wife illegally spent more than $250,000 in campaign funds.

Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty this month to one corruption count.

Duncan Hunter has said prosecutors have targeted him for political reasons.

The trial is scheduled for September.