(ProsperNews.net) – Hunter Biden surprised federal prosecutors on Thursday by pleading guilty to nine federal tax charges in a Los Angeles court. Initially pleading not guilty, Biden’s decision to switch his plea shocked both the court and the prosecution team, led by Special Counsel David Weiss. The charges relate to unpaid taxes amounting to $1.4 million between 2016 and 2019.
Abbe Lowell, Biden’s attorney, revealed the unexpected plea change in court, though federal prosecutor Leo Wise noted this was the first time they were hearing about it. According to reports, this plea is not yet finalized, and the special counsel’s team is still deciding on the next steps.
Hunter Biden’s guilty plea means he will give up his right to a trial, as the judge made clear during the hearing. There’s also the possibility of Biden entering an Alford plea, where he would accept a sentence while still maintaining his innocence. The Department of Justice typically avoids such pleas except in unusual cases.
Weiss accused Biden of failing to pay his federal taxes and filing false returns, which he characterized as a “four-year scheme” to evade taxes. Biden allegedly spent millions on a lavish lifestyle while withholding payroll taxes through his company, Owasco, PC. Though the $1.4 million owed has since been paid, Biden faces significant legal consequences, including up to 25 years in prison if found guilty on all counts.
The tax trial is the latest in a series of legal challenges for Hunter Biden. Earlier this year, he was convicted on gun charges in Delaware, with sentencing for that case still pending. These convictions carry a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison, along with fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has made it clear that he will not pardon his son. When asked about it on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that the president’s stance remains a firm “no.” Hunter Biden remains free on bond until sentencing, scheduled for December 16.
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