United States Representative for California Duncan D. Hunter. Rep. Hunter has admitted to using campaign funds to buy more than $1,300 worth of games on Steam, among other mundane things.
Sure, not all gamers would use public money to fund their gaming hobby, but this is still not a good look for the gaming community, who suffer from negative stereotypes such as immaturity and lack of control and being addicted to video games.
"Campaign" Funds
Rep. Hunter's misuse of public funds doesn't end there, however. If it did, we would probably just laugh it off and move on. But Hunter pleaded guilty for using over $150,000 of campaign funds in total, wherein roughly less than one percent went to his gaming hobby. The rest of the money he used for a wide variety of things, including plane tickets for his family's pet rabbits.
In his indictment, Hunter and his wife pleaded guilty for using campaign funds for things ranging from the mundane to the luxurious. According to a press release of the Department of Justice,
"The Hunters stole money from the campaign for items as inconsequential as fast food, movie tickets, and sneakers, as trivial as video games, Lego sets, and Playdoh; as mundane as groceries, dog food, and utilities."
Aside from using the funds for basic things, the couple also used the money for transactions that are "self-indulgent as luxury hotels, overseas vacations and plane tickets for their family pet rabbits, Eggburt and Cadbury."
Hunting the Trail
Rep. Hunter was first tagged in 2016 when his family's luxurious lifestyle was put into question in light of the family's rising debts. This luxurious lifestyle included the $1,300+ Steam purchases Hunter has made.
Succeeding investigations put to light that Hunter and his wife used the funds for more than just the Steam games.
The 42-year old abandoned the 'not guilty' plea last Tuesday. He spent the last two years denying the claims and saying that he's just being targeted in a political witch hunt.
About six months before Hunter's plea reversal, Hunter's wife, Margaret Hunter, admitted that they did spend more than $200,000 in campaign donations for family vacations, car gas, groceries, and even dental expenses. Margaret Hunter is Rep. Hunter's former campaign treasurer, which is a prime position for anyone interested in stealing money from the public.
The House Rules explicitly state that "a Member may not convert campaign funds to personal use over an amount representing reimbursement for legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures."
Hunted Down
Rep. Hunter has been a part of the U.S. Congress since 2008 as a member of the Republican party. His verdict will make him leave the House of Representatives for the first time since he got elected to office.
Aside from his expulsion from the U.S. Congress, Hunter may also face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
