Prosecutors charged Hunter Biden with three felony charges and six misdemeanor tax offenses after a plea deal earlier this year fell apart.
In a new case that add legal peril to Joe Biden, Hunter Biden Indicted on Tax Charges.
Hunter Biden was indicted on nine tax charges Thursday, in a case that adds a new layer of legal peril for President Biden’s son as he faces continued congressional scrutiny and a separate prosecution on felony gun charges.
In the 56-page indictment, prosecutors from special counsel David Weiss’s office said the younger Biden chose over a four-year period not to pay at least $1.4 million in federal taxes he owed for the years 2016—the final full year of Joe Biden’s vice presidency—through 2019. Prosecutors said Hunter Biden also evaded taxes for 2018 by filing false or fraudulent returns.
Hunter Biden “spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills,” prosecutors wrote in the indictment.
The indictment refers to earnings from connections Hunter Biden made in Ukraine, Romania and China. He was paid into U.S. bank accounts through entities in those countries and elsewhere, the indictment says.
“Based on the facts and the law, if Hunter’s last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought,” Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said
That last paragraph is a real hoot. The surprising thing, if anything, is that California and Delaware would throw the book at Hunter given the possible political repercussions.
Sweetheart Plea Deal
We need to go back to June for details of the Sweetheart Plea Deal that fell through.
Hunter Biden, President Biden’s son, has reached an agreement to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges, likely heading off prison time and what would have been a politically explosive prosecution while his father campaigns for re-election.
The deal with federal prosecutors marks the culmination of a yearslong investigation by the U.S. attorney in Delaware, David Weiss, who was appointed by former President Trump and has remained in office under the Biden administration to see through the criminal inquiry into the president’s son.
In a statement, Weiss said Hunter Biden received more than $1.5 million in annual income in both 2017 and 2018 and didn’t pay taxes on it, despite owing more than $100,000 each year.
According to a court document filed Tuesday related to the firearms charge, Biden had a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver in October 2018, even though he was addicted to drugs and barred from owning a gun.
Begun in 2018, the investigation first examined the younger Biden’s foreign business dealings but has come in more recent years to focus on his taxes and his false claim, on a form to purchase a gun, that he wasn’t using or addicted to drugs. In his 2021 memoir, “Beautiful Things,” Hunter Biden detailed his long addiction to drugs and wrote that he smoked crack “every 15 minutes” for stretches in 2018.
“I’m very proud of my son,” President Biden told reporters in San Francisco, responding to shouted questions about his son’s plea agreement.
Proud Moments
What’s not to be proud of here? I am quite sure everyone would take pride in a son like Hunter.
Joe is so proud of his son that it took him four years to publicly admit he had a 4-year-old granddaughter and Hunter was the father.
NBC reports “A president who has wrapped himself in family throughout his career is now, in an improbable twist, having to explain why he publicly ghosted a young girl who is as much his grandchild as any of the others whose high school graduations he attends or who playfully call him ‘Pop.’“
In It’s Seven Grandkids, Mr. President, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd wrote that “the president can’t defend Hunter on all his other messes and draw the line at accepting one little girl.”
Dowd’s sister wrote “I watched as you told the nation that you had six grandchildren and you loved each one of them. I believe that. What I cannot believe and what I find unconscionable is that you refuse to admit or accept the fact that there is a beautiful little 4-year-old girl living in Arkansas by the name of Navy Joan who is your seventh grandchild.”
Clearly, these are proud moments. And delayed pride is still pride, isn’t it?
That happened in July. Let’s return to the present.
Question of the Day
The Wall Street Journal asks Why Did Hunter Turn Down a Plea Deal?
That plea deal rejected by Mr. Biden and his attorneys last summer would likely have resulted in no jail time, would have involved just two tax misdemeanors, and also would have allowed Mr. Biden to avoid prosecution on a gun charge. After the collapse of the deal, Mr. Biden was charged with gun felonies in October, to which he pleaded not guilty. Now he is charged with evading taxes by filing false or fraudulent returns and could spend many years in prison if convicted. Mr. Biden maintains his innocence.
So why didn’t he take the deal last summer? Perhaps Mr. Biden was getting bad legal advice or maybe he just really believes he can mount a strong defense. Or maybe Mr. Biden and his team were just too focused on trying to eliminate other potential legal risks related to the substance of his foreign money schemes.
Instead of the carefully choreographed way most plea deals roll out, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika refused to approve either the tax or the gun agreement, saying they contained “atypical provisions” and needed further study. And Justice Department lawyers left open the possibility that the president’s son could face additional charges, including related to his foreign lobbying, prompting a disagreement with defense attorneys.
A recent Journal editorial noted evidence that Internal Revenue Service agent Joseph Ziegler provided to the House Ways and Means Committee about Burisma and its owner Mykola Zlochevsky. As Vice President in 2016 Joe Biden forced the ouster of a Ukrainian prosecutor investigating Burisma and Mr. Zlochevsky.
Arguably, the question is moot if a US District Judge was going to kill the ridiculous sweetheart deal that would have let Biden escape with prison-free misdemeanor charges.
However, the question remains because no one could have foreseen that Judge Maryellen Noreika would nix the deal.
Hunter may easily be dumb enough to reject such a deal, but what about his lawyers?
The issue of whether the Justice Department would continue to press such issues or whether his plea agreement meant the end of legal scrutiny for Hunter Biden came to a head at Wednesday’s hearing. During a brief recess, Biden’s lawyer, Chris Clark, could be heard telling prosecutor Leo Wise: “OK, then rip it up. We didn’t realize what we were agreeing to.”
Someone is fearful about something, but all these shenanigans make it more likely that whatever it is, is about to be exposed.
Noreika nixed the deal subjecting Hunter to additional charges but it was still a better deal than nothing at all.
As I see it, Hunter’s lawyers could have prolonged this for a long time with appeals of Noreika’s ruling. Instead, Biden’s lawyer said “OK, then rip it up. We didn’t realize what we were agreeing to.”
Hunter has no way now of escaping the felony charges that should land him in prison. And a noose draws tighter on Joe.
This is another proud moment, for sure. And there’s still more to be proud of.
Hunter Biden Spent $872k on Hookers, Porn and Sex Club Memberships
Newsweek reports Hunter Biden Spent $872k on Hookers, Porn and Sex Club Memberships
Hunter Biden spent hundreds of thousands on “constant partying,” according to prosecutors in an indictment that hit the president’s son with a total of nine tax charges.
The indictment brought in California alleges Biden spent money on prostitution, online pornography and hiring luxury cars among other things including $10,000 on a sex club membership.
It states money was spent on “drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes.”
A total of $1.4 million in taxes was allegedly evaded and Biden faces up to 17 years behind bars. He is accused of “willfully” avoiding paying his taxes and faces three felony charges and six misdemeanor charges.
I Have the Perfect Defense for Hunter
Tax Deductible Too
In retrospect, it’s Joe who has more explaining to do.
“And why should Hunter matter, Mish? ”
Because it’s highly likely that he illegally sent money to his father and that he was indeed selling influence.
I thought that was obvious, so sad that I had to point it out.
This applies also to the clueless person bringing MAGA into it.
I have countless times been accused of having TDS, mostly from people who have TDS Type II.
The fact of the matter is I dislike both Trump and Biden, taking it on the chin from delusional people (one side or the other), who don’t want the see the person they support being trashed.
In addition, I have at times defended both Biden and Trump.
“[I]t’s highly likely”?
“[I]t’s highly likely” that Jared Kushner peddled influence to the Saudis for saving his ass.
“[I]t’s highly likely” that Ivanka Trump peddled influence to the Chinese for selling her goods.
“[I]t’s highly likely” that Trump sold secrets to the Russians for power and ego.
Bring me evidence and I’ll get on board, but enough with the “highly likely” speculation. Sheesh. It’s truly sad that has to be pointed out.
You need to get up to speed son, you are slackin:
“The abandoned laptop contained an email in which Gilliar outlined a business deal for Hunter with a 10% cut reserved for “the big guy.” Former Hunter Biden associate Tony Bobulinski has claimed “the Big Guy” is Joe Biden.”
It’s highly likely republicans are jerking off to hunter biden emails and videos. Who gives a f* about hunter biden?
Your truth filter seems to be broke. You probably still believe in RussiaGate, hero Faucii, and the Easter Bunny It’s a shame what the corrupt America media is doing to the low IQ citizens of this country.
So if he was selling influence and sending money does that mean Joe was buying it ? Not likely. I’m sure a bunch of people have sent presidents money but since we live in a democracy that has checks and balances, it isn’t a good use of money. In fact, it is easier to send money to senators and Congress members and get better ROI. This is why corporations and foreign lobbyists spend most of their time on Congress.
I’ve got this really nice bridge connecting San Fransico to Sausalito. I’m a little tight for cash now, so I’ll let you have it for a good price. Interested? It’s a real money maker!
There is even more to it than the obvious corruption of FJB. There is the issue of FJB as a parent. If he produces this sort of offspring, it says boatloads about FJB.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. All you need to do in choosing between Trump and Biden is look at their kids. That tells you all you need to know about their character.
I am surprised that Joe has not issued a blanket pardon yet.
William, are you a Buddhist? Just curious with your hand gesture..
The next drama will be a court subpoena for Joe Biden to appear as a witness and testify under oath.
Unlikely. And if he did, he would pull a Trump and declare presidential immunity.
Wait! $1.5 million a year for two years? Paid no taxes? Should have paid $100,000 each year? That’s 200k on 3 mill. Effectively a marginal rate of less than 10%. Huh?!?
It must be a rather hopeless job the prosecutors have in this case. They must act like Joe will not wave the magic, presidential wand over the whole thing. And, let’s face it, anyone fussing about Joe letting his son, Hunter, off the hook is just announcing they are unthinking noisemakers yelling “Rah, rah, rah” at the game.
If you are interested in the game, then watch the timing. It’s all about the timing.
Thinking RFK jr’s stock has gotta be rising with Biden and Trump’s baggage getting bigger by the day.
The Special Counsel charged Hunter Biden for underpaying 1.4 million. Enforcing tax laws is not exactly a good use of time for a Special Council. According to the latest estimates, about 540 billion of taxes goes underpaid each year in this country. But I guess the poor Counsel guy had to deliver some red meat to the MAGA crowd.
Hunter’s tax evasion is penny ante corruption in the DC swamp. The billions that go “missing” in the Pentagon, and the recycling of billions of “aid” to Ukraine into politician’s pockets, and corporations all get immunity from so called “laws”. A new plea deal will make Hunter cough up several hundred thousand dollars and 2 years parole is about right for our justice system.
As I said above, no one really cares that much about Hunters tax evasion and what sentence he gets (likely parole or house arrest).
But what they do care about is investigating in very deep detail influence peddling and any ties back to Joe. If that’s there and comes out then its very much the nations business. That’s what Mish was getting at when he talked about Biden’s lawyers nixing the deal because they feared details back to Joe would come out.
MAGA has tried very hard; so far, zero evidence that Joe Biden siphoned off money from his son’s mis-adventures. Today, Rudy Giuliani claimed 30 million went straight to Joe Biden from the CCP. Why is MAGA so desperate to smear Biden? I think I know the answer.
You remind me of a doomsday cult member the day after the advertised day of destruction.
Nay! I think they are just clearing up this little tax issue before nominating Hunter for Secretary of the Treasury. They learned it’s best to not have these things untidy from the Geitner incident.
It’ll make a nice precedent for the rest us taxpayers if they drop the prosecution altogether.
I think its all Russian disinformation 50 or so ex agency leaders signed a letter stating the laptop was none existent except of course it turned out to exist . All while Trump was charged in NY civil case for a sexual assault many years ago and the accuser could
not even recall the year it happend . It appears it is all kabucki theater. The Big Guy rejectig his grandaughter is so honorable for a sitting US pesident. Why would it matter he has lied dozens of times puplicly about his son dying in the Iraq war. If
you will reject your own grandaughter and lie about you sons death you can pretty
much expect anything from the Big Guynothing to see here lets move on .
Anyone that signed the laptop from hell letter isn’t qualified to operate my microwave oven, let alone an intelligence agency or other large component of the government bureaucracy. Those villains are just shameless swamp creatures angling to get back into the halls of power, and they’ve completely disgraced themselves.
Biden can’t stop winning. Xi will visit Vietnam. China invested billions in Vietnam. A communist might win the Jan election in Taiwan. If so, game over.
He’s going to have to sell a lot more paintings.
This made me laugh! 🙂
After Trump who gives a F.
I say if they commit the crime do the time and I don’t care if its a Repub, Dem, or Independent.
That is the difference I see in today’s environment. My friend who loves Trump says he probably committed a bunch of crimes and he doesn’t care he still loves him and wants him to not be charged with anything he does. But he is all over this Hunter stuff and has been. In other words if its a Dem charge them and if it’s a Repub so what and it is political prosecution if the Repub is charged. Me I don’t know the facts of the cases so I say let them play out in court.
Bingo. It’s not that complicated.
We are a nation of laws, not men.
Enforce the laws no matter the name or title of the alleged criminal.
Hillary came first. A corrupt FBI/DOJ protected her from prosecution over her private server, while using a double standard toward Trump.
Honestly, while some things are enlightening, some of your stuff here is so dumb, Mish.
But yeah, you’ve convinced me: I won’t vote for Hunter Biden. Again.
Hunter matters.
It could easily sway the election, so please think!
I have stayed away from the issue but it is now clear that it finally matters.
Why? Why does Hunter matter to anyone besides the cult members?
And why should Hunter matter, Mish? Honestly, that Hunter is even a talking point–versus Jared and his MBS billions–is mind-boggling!
I’m a thinker, and I think Hunter is as dumb an “issue” as it is to blame Joe Biden for high gas prices (which, of course, are nearing pre-pandemic prices, so he should get credit for that too, right?). It’s all stupid.
Can we just elect someone reasonably responsible who will represent our country and interests in a reasonable way (and, for the love of God, not be in the news every single day for saying or doing something embarrassing)? I mean, we don’t need a “perfect” President and, as I like to remind people, perfect is the enemy of good.
And to that end: Joe is good. Trump is not even close. He’s dangerous.
In short, we shouldn’t care what a candidate’s kid does … spouses? Ok, maybe I care a bit more (I’m looking at you Ginni Thomas), but even then we have to trust that the other spouse will do their job, right?
It’s truly sad how dumb politics (America) has gotten.
When that kid is peddling influence for the father and delivering on those promises then we get to care.
No one cared when the Bush twins were drinking underage at college in the early 2000s nor did anyone care when Billy Beer was passing out on the White House lawn in the late 70s. That’s because it had nothing to do with national policy.
When there’s real evidence, then bring it. Actual evidence, not speculation.
I can speculate why MBS gave Jared billions or any of the many dishonest dealings in Trump’s orbit, but only evidence matters and having a “feeling” about something is just dumb.
Do you mean what it appears you mean? That Jared is billions richer than he was before MBS “gave” him billions?
It’s my understanding that MBS “gave” Jared billions in the same sense I’ve “given” Fidelity somewhat less money, but money I’d rather not let go of, nonetheless.
Your understanding would be wrong.
Not only does it open doors for Jared, but he gets paid for AUM, and that’s a lot of money. But yeah, go ahead and ignore that a murderous “king” who butchers his critics steered billions to Jared to save his ass in the “666 5th Avenue” debacle and then definitely buy into some conspiracy nut who says “the big guy” in an email is “Sleepy Joe Biden” who is simultaneously unable to tie his own shoes while being an International villain capable of covering all his footsteps … ya’ll have it figured out! /s
In the book, “Secret Empires,” it’s well documented that the corruption flows legally through the children of the elected officials. This isn’t new, or an isolated case. It’s how all of the swamp operates, on both sides of the aisle. It matters because this is one of the main ways taxpayers are continuously swindled, and corruption is allowed to flourish at Banana Republic levels year after year.
Let’s say you’re right. How do you fix it? And, if you’re right, what do you do about a meaningful election in less than a year?
We can step over quarters to pick up pennies, but the simple fact in the near term is that Trump is overly dangerous to democracy and Biden, if the cult is right, “may have” made a few thousand from his sleazy son? I mean, the choice of lesser evils here–assuming the GQP is right–is not even close.
Term Limits solve almost all of this; and prevent the decades-long accumulations of power in DC. I did not downvote you. BTW, nobody disputes it was millions of dollars pouring into the Biden crime family through these shell companies that produced nothing and did nothing.
I will give Joe a pass at supporting his scummy kid because I did the same for Donald supporting his scummy (in a different way) kids because it is a common parental weakness. However I think it would be wiser for Joe to say that Hunter is a scuzbag but he loves him anyway. Sort of like the fundamentalist saying of loving the sinner but hating the sin.
I don’t know why you feel that the noose is tightening on Joe. I haven’t seen any evidence yet and I don’t expect any. But if there is some evidence I hope it comes out. Hunter should probably go to jail. I am tired of all of this profiting off the political connections whether by Biden or Trump.
I would also feel much better if we could just get two different candidates. I am tired of this pushed narrative of being at war with your neighbors. If people are hoping for this they better watch out for what they wish for. It might come true.
I certainly want two different candidates, more accurately one, anyone but Trump.
That person would likely slaughter Biden.
Democrats, other than Biden, fear Trump could win only against Joe.
It is a match made in hell.
The issue remains that anyone truly qualified for this job is too intelligent to actually run for the office.
That is why the Greeks used a lottery in their heyday.
“The indictment refers to earnings from connections Hunter Biden made in Ukraine, Romania and China.”
for what job exactly ?
Hunter is the world’s second highest authority on “propane and propane accessories.”
It’s a gas.