LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal tax charges that were filed after a plea deal fell apart. The charges against him include nine felony and misdemeanor tax offenses, which stem from a four-year scheme to avoid paying $1.4 million in taxes to the IRS. Instead, the money was allegedly used to support a lavish lifestyle that involved drug and alcohol abuse.
During a hearing, Judge Mark Scarsi addressed Hunter Biden directly, acknowledging the accusations against him and prompting the not guilty plea. The judge tentatively set a trial date for June 20.
In addition to the tax charges, Hunter Biden is also facing charges in Delaware related to lying on a federal form for gun purchasers in 2018. At that time, he was addicted to crack cocaine, an addiction he has denied. The gun charges include illegal possession, and he has entered a not guilty plea for that case as well.
These charges against Hunter Biden are the result of a lengthy federal investigation into his tax and business activities. Initially, a plea deal was expected to be reached, with Hunter Biden agreeing to two years of probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor tax charges. Additionally, he would have avoided prosecution for the gun charges if he remained out of trouble. However, the judge who was supposed to approve the deal raised concerns, ultimately leading to its unraveling.
Notably, Hunter Biden’s legal proceedings are occurring at the same time as former President Donald Trump’s own legal troubles. Trump is currently facing 91 charges across four separate cases, including allegations of plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Both Biden and Trump appearing in court on the same day highlights the unique intersection of legal and political drama as the 2024 election approaches.
The initial plea deal proposed for Hunter Biden was heavily criticized by Republicans, including Trump himself, who referred to it as a “sweetheart deal.” This criticism further underlines the heightened tension and partisan nature of the legal proceedings involving both Biden and Trump.
Hunter Biden’s defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, referenced potential Congressional interference in the case, suggesting that the failed deal may have been influenced by political pressure. Despite this, the judge dismissed the need for additional hearings on the matter.
In a separate effort, Congressional Republicans have been unsuccessful in linking Hunter Biden’s business dealings to his father, President Joe Biden. Republicans have pursued an impeachment inquiry, alleging that Joe Biden engaged in an influence-peddling scheme with his son. However, no evidence has emerged thus far to substantiate these claims.
If convicted of the tax charges, Hunter Biden could face a maximum of 17 years in prison. Following the collapse of the plea deal, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to handle the case, citing the Justice Department’s perception of a conflict of interest. A special counsel is designated to handle cases when there is a conflict or when it is deemed to be in the public interest to have an external entity involved.
In an interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” First Lady Jill Biden expressed her concern for her son, describing the treatment he has received as “cruel.” She emphasized her pride in Hunter Biden’s recovery from addiction and the impact the legal proceedings have had on their family, particularly their grandchildren.
In summary, Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to federal tax charges, leading to a trial tentatively scheduled for June 20. These charges are part of a larger investigation into his tax and business activities, which were expected to result in a plea deal. At the same time, former President Donald Trump is facing his own legal troubles. The collapse of the plea deal and the simultaneous legal proceedings highlight the political and legal complexities surrounding both individuals. If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 17 years in prison. The appointment of a special counsel underscores the perceived conflict of interest in handling the case.