Hunter Biden pleads guilty to all charges in federal tax case

In a surprise turn of events, Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, has pleaded guilty to all nine charges against him in a federal tax case, where he is accused of evading $1.4 million in taxes.

Los Angeles Federal Court Judge Mark Scarsi stated that Biden could face up to 17 years in prison and a fine of up to $450,000, with the final decision set for December 16.

In the U.S., defendants who plead guilty often receive lighter sentences through deals with prosecutors, a common choice for those wishing to avoid a lengthy trial.

Hunter Biden is reportedly aiming to prevent potentially damaging details from emerging during court proceedings ahead of the November 5 presidential election, which could be used against his father and the Democratic Party.

Previously known to have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, Hunter Biden is accused of evading $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019, despite spending large sums on drugs, escorts, luxury hotels, and expensive personal items.

The charges against Hunter Biden also reportedly focus on his business dealings during the time his father served as Vice President, including his involvement with the Ukrainian gas company Burisma.