Convicted ex-congressmen trys to push back start of prison term

Former Rep. Duncan Hunter says he fears contracting coronavirus

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Former California Congressman Duncan Hunter wants to delay the start of his prison term due to concerns over coronavirus.

Hunter's attorneys joined with prosecutors in filing a joint motion in federal court in San Diego on Tuesday. One of the former congressman's lawyers say the virus outbreak makes it a particularly bad time to add to the prison population.

Hunter pleaded guilty to stealing campaign funds and using them to pay for personal expenses, including nights out with his friends, and a birthday party for his daughter. He faces 11-months in federal prison.

The former congressman was supposed to begin serving his sentence this month. It's likely he won't serve anytime before 2021.

Before his conviction, Hunter represented one of the last solidly Republican districts in Southern California.