First son Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to federal tax and gun charges today, a significant turn-around after his wrist-slap, probation-only plea deal fell apart earlier over his demand for blanket immunity from accountability for all criminal conduct — including alleged illegal foreign lobbying.
The turn of events came as a surprise during the hearing at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Del., where he was expected to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax counts and enter a diversion program for a federal weapons charge.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Hunter could still face charges related to failing to register as a foreign agent for his dealings in countries like China and Ukraine. Despite attempts to revise the plea deal and avoid additional charges, the court found the agreement unacceptable, prompting Hunter to change his plea.
“As far as I’m concerned, the plea agreement is null and void,” defense attorney Chris Clark reportedly told the court in response a little before noon.
The ongoing foreign-agent investigation by the Delaware US attorney’s office and Hunter’s close ties to his father’s business dealings have raised concerns. There is evidence that Joe Biden met with Hunter’s foreign associates and participated in certain business dealings. Allegations of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) have also surfaced, which can carry significant penalties.
Despite Hunter’s legal team believing his criminal liability was resolved by the plea deal, the investigation is still ongoing. The plea deal has faced criticism as some believe it was too lenient, and questions about Hunter’s financial dealings and connections continue to persist.
House Republicans are demanding to know if the US attorney’s office properly investigated claims of bribery involving Hunter and his father. Hunter’s association with Kevin Morris, a Hollywood-based lawyer and Democratic donor, has also come under scrutiny, including Morris’s involvement in financial matters and the purchase of Hunter’s artwork.
Overall, the plea deal’s collapse and the ongoing investigation have cast a shadow over the Biden family and could potentially lead to further scrutiny by House investigators.
{Matzav.com}
