Hunter Biden, facing tax evasion charges, asserted his innocence in a federal court on Thursday, intensifying the political drama surrounding his father, President Joe Biden, as the latter prepares for a challenging election against Donald Trump.
The case against Hunter, a frequent target of Republican scrutiny, intensifies as he combats allegations, unproven, of being involved in a criminal enterprise with his father. His court appearance in Los Angeles followed an unexpected visit to Capitol Hill, where he had previously declined to testify before two Republican-led House committees regarding his business activities.
Charged with nine counts of tax evasion, the 53-year-old is accused of misusing funds that should have been paid to the IRS to support a lavish lifestyle, including expenses on drugs, luxury goods, and more, from 2016 to 2020. This allegation is detailed in a 56-page indictment issued on December 7.
During the court hearing, presided over by US District Judge Mark Scarsi, Biden, appearing calm and donned a dark suit, firmly stated his not-guilty plea. Although remaining free, he is barred from possessing firearms and using alcohol or drugs, as ordered by Judge Scarsi. The next court hearing is set for March 27, with the trial anticipated to start on June 20.
Facing a potential 17-year prison sentence if convicted on all counts, Hunter Biden is also confronting federal gun charges in Delaware, related to the possession of firearms by drug users in 2018.
The case’s complexity grew last year when a plea deal fell through amidst Republican criticisms of leniency. Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, contends that the charges are a result of undue influence and would not have been pursued if Hunter bore a different surname.
On Thursday, Lowell expressed intentions to address the issue of congressional influence on the case. Meanwhile, Republicans and right-wing media outlets continue to spotlight Hunter Biden’s troubled past and alleged illicit dealings with his father, fueling an impeachment investigation against President Biden. This investigation, though unlikely to lead to a Senate conviction, aims to damage the President’s reputation ahead of the November presidential election and divert attention from Trump’s legal challenges.
In a recent interview, First Lady Jill Biden condemned the attacks on her son as “cruel,” praising his recovery from addiction and expressing concern about the impact on her grandchildren.
