Hunter Biden's Surprise Guilty Plea to Federal Tax Charges

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, pleaded guilty to federal tax charges, avoiding a potentially embarrassing trial before the presidential election. Biden faces up to 17 years in prison and $450,000 in penalties. The plea precludes a trial that would have revealed messy details of his personal and business life.

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, unexpectedly pleaded guilty to federal tax charges on Thursday, sidestepping a trial that could have proven politically damaging weeks ahead of the presidential election. Biden was charged with failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes while indulging in drugs, sex workers, and luxury items.

He admitted guilt to all nine counts against him in a Los Angeles federal courthouse. Judge Mark Scarsi informed Biden that he could face up to 17 years in prison and fines amounting to $450,000, with sentencing scheduled for December 16.

Unlike typical plea bargains aimed at reducing sentences, Biden initially attempted an unusual move by pleading guilty without admitting wrongdoing, which prosecutors opposed. The guilty plea eliminates a potentially scandalous trial that could have aired intimate details of Biden's lifestyle during the campaign season. This case further includes his controversial business dealings with Burisma and a Chinese private equity fund, accusations he has consistently denied.

(With inputs from agencies.)