Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has shocked federal prosecutors by pleading guilty to all nine charges in his federal tax evasion case. The 54-year-old had previously denied allegations that he intentionally avoided paying $1.4m in income tax from 2016-19, but ultimately changed his plea as his trial was set to begin.
Biden’s last-minute reversal, announced in a Los Angeles courtroom, is his second criminal conviction this year. His attorney cited a desire to spare his friends and family from testifying about his actions during a time when he was struggling with drug addiction.
The judge informed Biden that he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and fines ranging from $500,000 to $1m. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, just a month before his father leaves office as President.
President Biden has previously stated that he will not use his executive power to pardon his son. The prosecution, representing the President’s justice department, expressed shock at the plea deal and emphasized that Hunter Biden is guilty of the charges brought against him.
The case against Biden includes three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor offenses, including failure to file and pay taxes, tax evasion, and filing a false return. Prosecutors allege that Biden spent nearly $5m on personal expenses, including drugs, escorts, luxury hotels, cars, and clothing, falsely labeling them as business expenses.
This development adds to Biden’s legal troubles, as he was previously found guilty of charges related to gun possession and drug use earlier this year. This makes him the first criminally convicted son of a sitting US president.
As the case unfolds, the public awaits the sentencing of Hunter Biden and the potential implications for the Biden family as they navigate this legal challenge.
