'Not innocent': Hunter Biden pleads guilty to nine tax charges
Hunter Biden, son of United States President Joe Biden, pleaded guilty to nine charges in a federal tax case on Thursday. The 54-year-old admitted to evading $1.4 million in taxes over the past decade, which prosecutors claim was spent on luxury living, sex workers and drugs. His plea came just as jury selection for his trial was set to begin and hours after he had proposed a guilty plea in hopes of avoiding prison time.
No deal reached, sentencing set for December
Despite his hopes, no deal was reached and Biden entered his pleas in open court. US District Judge Mark Scarsi has scheduled the sentencing for December 16. Biden now faces up to 17 years in prison and a fine exceeding $1 million. In a statement, he expressed his desire to spare his family further pain and embarrassment, criticizing prosecutors for their focus on dehumanizing him due to actions during his addiction.
Biden's legal troubles and presidential pardon prospects
Earlier this year, Biden was convicted in Delaware for lying about his drug use when purchasing a gun—a felony offense. He is yet to be sentenced for this crime, which could result in up to 25 years imprisonment. Despite having the power to pardon his son, President Biden has stated that he will not do so. This position was reaffirmed by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday.
Defense arguments and public scrutiny
Biden's lawyers have argued that he was only brought to court because of his identity. They claimed that the non-payment of taxes was an oversight due to a chaotic life marked by drug addiction and the trauma of losing his older brother, Beau, in 2015. Biden has since paid the back taxes and penalties levied by authorities. However, prosecutors are under scrutiny from Republicans who accuse them of leniency toward Biden due to his presidential connections.
Biden's plea deal falls apart, Republicans scrutinize prosecutors
Biden had previously reached a plea deal that would have kept him out of jail. However, this agreement fell apart at the last minute and he has been trying to reach another since then. This has been difficult for prosecutors, whose every move in this election year is being scrutinized by Republicans who charge that the defendant is being treated leniently because he is the president's son.
