Hunter Biden Enters a Not Guilty Plea for Federal Tax Charges

President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in federal court in Los Angeles to tax charges related to his business dealings, which have also led to an impeachment inquiry of his father.

Hunter Biden, 53, is accused of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019, while reportedly spending millions on drugs, escorts, exotic cars, and other expensive items.

If convicted, he could face up to 17 years in prison.

Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, claims that he has paid the back taxes and is being unfairly targeted due to his famous last name.

It’s important to note that Hunter Biden has never held a position in the White House or on his father’s campaign.

He has also pleaded not guilty in a separate federal case in Delaware, where he is charged with lying about his illegal drug use when purchasing a gun. These charges could result in up to 10 years in prison if he is convicted.

Both cases were brought by federal prosecutor David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019 and was last year given the status of special prosecutor. The Justice Department has stated that the investigation into Hunter Biden is ongoing.

U.S. House of Representatives Republicans are seeking to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify behind closed doors in their impeachment inquiry of his father, which could lead to additional criminal charges.

Despite offering to testify in public, lawmakers have rejected Hunter Biden’s request. He caused a stir on Capitol Hill when he unexpectedly showed up at a House hearing where lawmakers were considering the contempt charges.

Republican investigators have been focusing on Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine and China while his father served as U.S. vice president from 2009 to 2017. So far, they have not found evidence of wrongdoing by Joe Biden, despite highlighting his son’s substance abuse issues.

In the tax case, prosecutors claim that Hunter Biden earned over $7 million between 2016 and 2019, including $2.3 million from his position on the board of directors of Burisma, a Ukrainian industrial conglomerate. He also served on the board of CEFC China Energy Co Ltd, a Chinese energy conglomerate.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday found that 44% of U.S. adults believe the prosecution of Hunter Biden is politically motivated, while 33% do not. Additionally, 56% think he is receiving favorable treatment from prosecutors.