Hunter Biden accepted a plea deal Tuesday with Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors for two minor cases involving tax evasion and the purchase and possession of a firearm. A federal judge must first approve the settlement and then the president's son must appear in court.
His lawyer, Chris Clark, assured that the investigation of his client was "resolved," a statement that differed from that of the office in charge of the case. David Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, remarked in a statement that "the investigation is ongoing." He went on to detail the settlement reached with Biden.
#WATCH | Joe Biden on Hunter: “My son's done nothing wrong. I trust him, I have faith in him, and it impacts my presidency by making me feel proud of him.” pic.twitter.com/hiuMLTduI4
— VOZ (@Voz_US) June 20, 2023
"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. 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 and was addicted to a controlled substance. Hunter Biden is charged with two offenses for failure to pay income tax and one offense for unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person," the prosecutor added.
As part of the agreement noted by the Associated Press, the DOJ will recommend probation on both charges. The president's son could have the firearm charge expunged from his record if he adheres to the terms of the pretrial agreement. However, Biden could face a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison for each of the tax charges and up to 10 years in prison for the firearm charge.
Just weeks before this deal, Joe Biden said in an interview that his son had "done nothing wrong." "I trust him. I have faith in him and he impacts my presidency by making me proud of him," he added at the time.
