Washington According to media reports, the son of US President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, wants to plead guilty to several crimes at the federal level. After several years of investigations into possible tax offenses and allegedly false information in connection with a gun purchase, Hunter Biden has now reached an agreement with the public prosecutor, as several US media, including the broadcaster CNN and the New York Times, reported unanimously on Tuesday. Among other things, the agreement stipulates that the 53-year-old plead guilty to two cases of tax offenses and agree to a suspended sentence.
Hunter Biden had also been accused of providing false information when purchasing a gun and concealing a drug addiction. According to media reports, Hunter Biden could avoid prosecution in this case if he followed certain guidelines. According to the New York Times, the deal would be conditional on Hunter Biden staying drug-free for two years and pledging never to own a firearm again. Hunter Biden himself published a book about his long-standing drug addiction.
The US President’s son has yet to appear before a court where a judge would have to approve such an agreement. It is not uncommon for criminal cases to come to an agreement whereby prosecutors make certain concessions to a suspect in exchange for a guilty plea. Hunter Biden has always denied wrongdoing in the past.
The process is also politically very sensitive. Joe Biden has announced that he will run for a second term in the 2024 presidential election. Biden’s son Hunter has been the target of political attacks from Republicans for years, most notably from ex-President Donald Trump. The Republican raised allegations of corruption against Hunter Biden in connection with foreign deals in Ukraine and China. With their majority in the House of Representatives, the Republicans have launched investigations into Hunter Biden’s financial dealings. Joe Biden had always dismissed attacks against his son as a smear campaign.
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