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U. S. Representative Duncan D. Hunter and his wife , Margaret E. Hunter , were indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on charges that they converted more than $250,000 in campaign funds to pay for personal expenses and filed false campaign finance records with the Federal Election Commission.

U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman said , " The indictment alleges that Congressman Hunter and his wife repeatedly dipped into campaign coffers as if they were personal bank accounts , and falsified FEC campaign finance reports to cover their tracks." Braverman added that the indictment is a reminder that no one is above the law. According to the 48-page indictment , beginning in 2009 and continuing through 2016 , the Hunters illegally used campaign money to pay for personal expenses that they could otherwise not afford. To conceal their personal spending , the Hunters mischaracterized purchases in FEC filings as " campaign travel," " dinner with volunteers  contributors," "toy drives," " gift basket items," among other false descriptions. Family dental bills paid with campaign funds were reported as a charitable contribution to " Smiles for Life ".

The case was investigated by the San Diego Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Hunters are scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William V. Gallo. Charges include Conspiracy to Commit Offenses Against the United States , Wire Fraud , Falsification of Records and Prohibited Use of Campaign Contributions.