Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden will plead guilty to two federal tax offenses.
Hunter, 52, also struck a deal to avoid prosecution on a separate gun charge for possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
The deal ends a long-running Justice Department investigation into Biden’s second son, and also averts a trial.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David C. Weiss said, according to the tax Information, Hunter Biden “received taxable income in excess of $1,500,000 annually in calendar years 2017 and 2018.”
“Despite owing in excess of $100,000 in federal income taxes each year, he did not pay the income tax due for either year,” Weiss’ office said Tuesday. “According to the firearm Information, from on or about October 12, 2018 through October 23, 2018, Hunter Biden possessed a firearm despite knowing he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance.”
If hunter stands trial and is convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison on each of the tax charges – a total of two years. There is a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the firearm charge for which he agreed to a pretrial diversion program.
The firearms charge stemmed from allegations that Hunter Biden lied during a gun purchase in 2018.
In his reaction, Hunter Biden’s attorney, Christopher Clark said that “Hunter will take responsibility for two instances of misdemeanor failure to file tax payments when due pursuant to a plea agreement,” Clark said.
“A firearm charge, which will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement and will not be the subject of the plea agreement, will also be filed by the Government. I know Hunter believes
“it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life. He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward.”
In a brief statement, the White House said the Bidens “love their son.”
“The President and First Lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life. We will have no further comment,” said White House spokesman Ian Sams.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
