Hunter Biden to Plead Guilty in Federal Tax Evasion Case, Surprising Court on Trial Day

Hunter Biden has unexpectedly pleaded guilty in his federal tax evasion case. The revelation came just as jury selection was about to begin on Thursday morning.

Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, made the announcement in a Los Angeles federal courtroom, catching the prosecution off guard.

Hunter Biden plans to plead guilty in his $1.4 million federal tax case. AP

“Mr. Biden intends to change his plea this morning,” Lowell informed the judge, prompting surprise from the prosecution team. Judge Mark Scarsi responded by adjourning the proceedings until 11 a.m., at which point the guilty plea would be formally entered.

Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden arrive in federal court for jury selection for his trial on felony tax charges Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. AP

The plea marks a significant turn in the case, which was set to be Biden’s second major trial in a matter of months. Earlier in June, the son of President Joe Biden was convicted of illegally owning a firearm while struggling with drug addiction. The current case involves nine federal charges related to Biden’s alleged failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019.

Hunter Biden, who arrived at the courthouse with his wife, Melissa Cohen, was facing the possibility of up to 17 years in prison if convicted in this trial. Additionally, he could be sentenced to 25 years for the gun-related charges, with sentencing scheduled for November.

Before Biden’s decision to plead guilty, Judge Scarsi had outlined the jury selection process, noting that 120 potential jurors were already present in the building. The judge also highlighted the lack of space in the courtroom, which led to the exclusion of spectators and press from the selection process, including Biden’s wife, Melissa Cohen.

The abrupt plea change has brought a sudden twist to what was expected to be a lengthy legal battle, with the court now preparing to proceed with Biden’s guilty plea later in the day.