Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Joe Biden, entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday in a federal court in Los Angeles regarding tax charges related to his business dealings, which have also triggered an impeachment investigation involving his father.
The 53-year-old Hunter Biden is facing allegations of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes for the years 2016 to 2019, during which he reportedly spent substantial amounts on drugs, escorts, luxury cars, and other extravagant expenses.
If convicted, he could potentially face a prison sentence of up to 17 years.
Appearing in a navy blue suit and tie, Hunter Biden responded with a “not guilty” plea when asked by U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi.
The trial has been scheduled for June 20, as decided by Judge Scarsi.
Following the hearing, Hunter Biden did not engage with reporters or protesters present outside the courthouse, and he left the premises via a rear exit.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, maintains that his client has settled his back taxes and is facing legal scrutiny due to his prominent family name.
It’s worth noting that Hunter Biden has never held an official position within the White House or his father’s political campaigns.
Additionally, Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in a separate federal case in Delaware, where he is accused of lying about his illegal drug use during the purchase of a firearm.
If convicted in this case, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
Both cases have been brought forth by federal prosecutor David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019 and was elevated to the position of special prosecutor last year.
A proposed plea deal was rejected by a federal judge in the previous summer, and the Justice Department has stated that the investigation into Hunter Biden is still ongoing.
Furthermore, U.S. House of Representatives Republicans are pursuing contempt of Congress charges against Hunter Biden for his refusal to testify behind closed doors in their impeachment inquiry into his father.
This could potentially result in further legal consequences for him.
Hunter Biden has expressed his willingness to testify publicly in the investigation, but lawmakers have declined his offer.
Republican investigators have focused on Hunter Biden’s business activities in Ukraine and China during his father’s tenure as U.S. vice president from 2009 to 2017.
Thus far, no evidence of wrongdoing by President Joe Biden has emerged, despite highlighting his son’s struggles with substance abuse.
In the tax case, prosecutors allege 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, and his role on the board of CEFC China Energy Co Ltd, a Chinese energy conglomerate.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll revealed that 44% of U.S. adults believe the prosecution of Hunter Biden is politically motivated, while 33% do not.
Additionally, 56% of respondents believe that he is receiving favorable treatment from prosecutors.