Congressman could face five-years in prison

New details on Duncan Hunter's guilty plea

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY) - California Congressman Duncan Hunter's guilty plea may have saved him from facing a jury on some 59 federal charges, but it won't save him from serving jail time.

Hunter pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to a single count of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds. He faces five-years in prison when sentenced.

Prosecutors say the southern California Republican and his wife spent more than $250,000 in campaign funds on personal expenses. Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty earlier this year and agreed to testify against her husband. She also faces five-years when sentenced.

Hunter denied the accusations against him for more than a year, claiming he was he victim of a witch hunt.

The Congressman says he pleaded guilty to protect his children from a protracted trial. He is expected to resign his seat.

Hunter is the second Republican Congressman to plead guilty to federal charges this year.