On September 5, 2024, Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, unexpectedly pleaded guilty to tax charges just as jury selection was about to begin for his federal criminal trial in Los Angeles. This last-minute decision prevented what could have been a difficult legal battle that would have exposed distressing details from Biden’s life during his struggles with crack cocaine addiction.
The case revolved around Biden’s failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019, despite leading what prosecutors described as an “extravagant lifestyle” filled with expenses for escorts, luxury hotels, and a membership at a sex club.
In court, U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi questioned Biden about the charges against him. Biden confirmed that he had committed each offense listed in the indictment, responding “guilty” to every count. The judge accepted the plea and scheduled a sentencing date for December 16.
This guilty plea follows a jury’s conviction of Hunter Biden on federal gun charges in Delaware three months earlier, with sentencing for that case set for November 13. Both cases are being prosecuted by Special Counsel David Weiss from the Justice Department.
In his statement, Biden expressed his regret over the distress that the trial in Delaware caused his family and decided to avoid putting them through a similar ordeal. He reflected on realizing that prosecutors were more focused on “dehumanizing” him rather than seeking justice.
The announcement of his plea surprised the prosecution, who were informed shortly before jury selection began. After discussions in court regarding the plea’s specifics, Biden opted for an open plea, which is a straightforward admission of guilt without any agreement with the government.
The implications of Hunter Biden’s legal issues were initially viewed as potential political troubles for President Biden during the tightly contested 2024 election campaign. However, with the elder Biden no longer running for reelection, the political relevance of these charges has diminished. Despite speculation, the president has been firm in stating that he would not pardon his son, a sentiment reiterated by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who confirmed that the answer remains “no.”
In the Los Angeles case, Hunter Biden faced nine counts, including three felonies related to tax evasion and false returns, alongside six misdemeanors. The prosecution detailed in a 56-page indictment how Biden misrepresented his finances and failed to meet his tax obligations while maintaining a lavish lifestyle funded by millions. This period of alleged tax evasion coincided with Biden’s battle against addiction, following the death of his brother Beau.
The indictment outlined numerous expenses incorrectly declared as business costs to lessen his tax liability, including payments for escorts, luxury accommodations, and other personal expenditures, indicating a pattern of financial mismanagement amid his struggles.
A year prior, Hunter Biden looked close to avoiding a trial with a tentative deal that would have seen him plead guilty to tax charges while entering a diversion agreement for the gun charges. However, that arrangement faltered when a federal judge expressed concerns about its structure, leading to unsuccessful negotiations for a revised deal.