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'Vaping Congressman' Hunter Investigated For Misusing Campaign Money

Rep. Duncan Hunter paid back nearly $60,000 and said any misuse was accidental.

By: Grant Suneson

Posted at 6:31 PM, Mar 23, 2017

and last updated 2017-03-23 18:31:36-04

Rep. Duncan Hunter is probably best known for proudly vaping during a committee meeting. Well, now he's in some hot water.

The California Republican was under investigation from the House Ethics Committee over allegations he misused tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funding in 2015 and 2016.

Hunter reportedly spent those funds on jewelry, school tuition, hotel rooms and a family trip to Italy.

Now, the committee is deferring its ethics investigation to the Department of Justice. That could indicate that Duncan may face a criminal investigation.

Hunter said any improper spending was accidental, and he paid back about $60,000 to the campaign. His attorney says he plans to fully cooperate with the investigation.