Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, pleaded not guilty to federal tax charges in a high-profile case that is unfolding against the backdrop of the 2024 presidential campaign. Facing nine felony and misdemeanor charges, Biden is accused of evading $1.4 million in taxes to fund a lifestyle involving drugs and alcohol. Judge Mark Scarsi set a tentative trial date for June 20.

This case stems from a long-standing federal investigation into Hunter Biden’s finances. Initially, a plea deal that would have given him probation for misdemeanor tax charges and protected him from the gun charge fell apart due to judicial scrutiny. Biden is also charged in Delaware for falsely claiming he wasn’t using illegal drugs on a federal gun purchase form, despite his addiction to crack cocaine.

The collapse of the plea deal and the ensuing trial add to the political drama of the 2024 election, as the Justice Department is also prosecuting Donald Trump. Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, suggested Congressional interference in the failed deal, while Prosecutor Leo Wise emphasized the frequency of high-profile legal cases.

The case is paralleled by Republican-led congressional inquiries into alleged influence-peddling involving President Biden, though no evidence of misconduct has been found. If convicted, Hunter Biden faces a maximum of 17 years in prison.

Read More
Associated Press Rating