In a last-minute twist, Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges on Thursday, September 5, 2024, just as jury selection was about to begin for his trial in Los Angeles. Biden's decision to plead guilty to nine counts, including failing to pay more than $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019, marks a significant turn in his ongoing legal troubles.
The guilty plea came as a surprise, as Biden had initially sought to change his plea to an "Alford plea," which would allow him to maintain his innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors had sufficient evidence to convict him. However, federal prosecutors, led by Leo Wise, objected, arguing that such a plea was not in the public interest and insisting that Biden fully accept responsibility.
I do not care about Hunter Biden’s gun charges, drug possession, or tax evasion.
I DO care about his biolab company, Metabiota, which was heavily involved in developing bat coronaviruses in Ukraine, via USAID Project PREDICT, prior to the C19 outbreak.
Nothing else matters. pic.twitter.com/xTBcWWJtNp
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) September 5, 2024
Facing the prospect of a long, grueling trial that could expose details of his personal life and financial dealings, Biden ultimately agreed to plead guilty on all charges.
Prosecutors in the case, led by Special Counsel David Weiss, accused Biden of using his consulting company, Owasco, to funnel millions of dollars from foreign business deals. During this period, Biden allegedly spent millions on personal expenses, including drugs, escorts, and luxury items, while neglecting his tax obligations.
Biden Crime Family:
"The testimony we released today shows the IRS recommended charges against Hunter that included an attempt to evade or defeat tax a felony. Mr. Biden personally received $8.3 million."pic.twitter.com/4scWomf4lS
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) June 22, 2023
The charges could have led to a sentence of up to 17 years in prison, though it is unlikely that Biden will face such a harsh penalty given that this is his first tax-related offense.
The trial would have placed intense scrutiny on the Biden family, especially with the 2024 presidential election nearing. Hunter Biden’s past struggles with addiction, as well as his international business dealings, would have been examined in detail, potentially damaging President Biden’s campaign. By pleading guilty, Hunter Biden avoids this public spectacle, although his legal troubles are far from over.
This is not Hunter Biden’s first encounter with the law in 2024. Earlier this year, he was convicted on three felony charges related to illegal gun possession, after purchasing a firearm while struggling with a drug addiction. Biden faces sentencing for that case later this year, which could add additional prison time to his legal woes.
The White House has remained tight-lipped on the case, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterating that President Biden will not consider pardoning his son. "It’s no, and it’s still no," Jean-Pierre said when asked if the president would intervene.
