Hunter Biden, Son of US President Joe Biden, Enters Guilty Plea to Federal Charges
In a recent development, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has been charged with federal income tax evasion and the illegal possession of a firearm, according to a letter filed in the United States District Court in Delaware.
Hunter Biden is expected to reach a resolution with the prosecutors, which includes addressing the felony charge of illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user. The agreement, made public on Tuesday, also entails his guilty plea to misdemeanor tax offenses, as reported by the news agency AP. It is worth noting that resolving a federal criminal case concurrently with the filing of charges is somewhat uncommon.
The investigation conducted by the Justice Department into the younger Biden, who openly acknowledged his struggles with addiction following the death of Beau Biden in 2015, has now concluded due to this agreement. The resolution of the case prevents a trial that could have resulted in distracting headlines for a White House administration that has aimed to maintain distance from the Justice Department.
Christopher Clark, Hunter Biden’s attorney, issued a statement expressing his belief that the five-year investigation has been resolved. Clark also emphasized Hunter Biden’s recognition of the importance of taking responsibility for his mistakes during a tumultuous period of addiction in his life. Hunter Biden looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward, as stated in the statement.
This news arises amidst ongoing investigations conducted by congressional Republicans into various aspects of Hunter Biden’s business dealings, including his financial affairs and foreign payments. Furthermore, it follows closely on the heels of another politically significant case—an indictment of former President Donald Trump on 37 counts for mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate.
Joe Biden has faced inquiries regarding his son’s drug use and business activities. Despite being aware for eleven days in October 2018 that Hunter Biden was using drugs, the gun charge alleges that he possessed a Colt Cobra 38 special handgun. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years; however, the Justice Department claims that Hunter Biden has reached a pre-trial agreement. As of now, complete details of the agreement are not available.
