Former Rep. Duncan Hunter may not have to report to prison until 2021.
The California Republican asked to delay his 11-month prison sentence until next year to minimize his risk during the coronavirus pandemic. Hunter had been ordered to surrender by May 29.
Attorneys for Hunter and the government filed a joint motion Tuesday to push back the surrender date to Jan. 4.
“The parties submit this extension is appropriate due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the unknown impacts the disease will have in the coming months,” the court filing said.
In exchange for the delay, Hunter agreed not to seek any modification to his sentencing or credit for home confinement for the time before he reports to prison.
Hunter resigned from Congress in January after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds.
A federal indictment alleged Hunter and his wife, Margaret, illegally spent more than $250,000 in campaign funds to cover their personal expenses. Both were indicted on 60 counts in federal court in August 2018. Each later agreed to plead guilty to one charge in lieu of a trial.
The indictment included evidence that Hunter had extramarital affairs with at least five other women, three of whom are either lobbyists or congressional staffers.
