Hunter Biden has unexpectedly pleaded guilty to all nine charges in his federal tax evasion case, surprising prosecutors who were preparing for trial. The son of President Joe Biden had denied claims that he intentionally evaded paying $1.4 million in income tax from 2016 to 2019. Initially, Biden indicated he would plead guilty while maintaining his innocence, but he changed his mind after prosecutors objected.
The significant shift in his plea was revealed in a Los Angeles court just before jury selection was set to begin, where over 100 prospective jurors were present. Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated that his client chose to avoid a trial “for the sake of private interest,” aiming to protect his loved ones from having to testify about events that occurred during his struggles with addiction.
Judge Mark Scarsi noted that Biden’s guilty plea subjects him to a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison, along with potential fines ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, shortly after the White House election and before President Biden’s term concludes. The president has previously indicated he would not exercise executive powers to pardon his son.
During the court proceedings, a portrait of President Biden was on display in the courthouse, which Hunter Biden passed alongside his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, his lawyers, and a Secret Service detail. The prosecution, representing the Biden administration’s justice department, expressed surprise at the proposed plea deal and emphasized that Hunter Biden would be held accountable for his actions. Lead prosecutor Leo Wise stated, “Hunter Biden is not innocent. Hunter Biden is guilty,” confirming their intent to proceed with the case.