Current:Home > MarketsHunter Biden's indictment stopped at gun charges. But more may be coming -Streamline Finance
Hunter Biden's indictment stopped at gun charges. But more may be coming
View
Date:2025-04-16 15:58:10
The indictment of Hunter Biden on Thursday made one thing all but certain: President Joe Biden will embark on a 2024 reelection bid dogged once again by his son's tumultuous business and personal life.
The younger Biden is facing felony charges related to false statements in purchasing a firearm, and a third count of illegally obtaining a firearm while addicted to drugs. But with prosecutors continuing to scrutinize his overseas business deals and financial records, the gun charges might soon be just one thread in a potential web of legal troubles.
In June, Hunter Biden struck a plea agreement with prosecutors that would have allowed him to plead guilty to a pair of misdemeanor tax offenses -- before the deal fell apart during a court hearing in July after U.S. Judge Maryellen Noreika expressed concern over the structure of the agreement.
MORE: Hunter Biden indicted by special counsel on felony gun charges
Special counsel David Weiss subsequently withdrew the two tax charges in Delaware with the intention of bringing them in California and Washington, D.C. -- the venues where the alleged misconduct occurred.
Investigators have examined whether Hunter Biden paid adequate taxes on millions of dollars of his income, including money he made from multiple overseas business ventures. ABC News previously reported that in 2022, he borrowed $2 million from his lawyer and confidant Kevin Morris to pay the IRS for back taxes, penalties and liens that he owed.
Prosecutors have not offered a timeline for the tax charges.
Meanwhile, the president's political foes have latched onto Hunter Biden's overseas business dealings to level allegations depicting the entire Biden family as corrupt, despite uncovering no clear evidence to date indicating that Joe Biden profited from or meaningfully endorsed his son's work.
"Today's charges are a very small start, but unless U.S. Attorney Weiss investigates everyone involved in the fraud schemes and influence peddling, it will be clear President Biden's DOJ is protecting Hunter Biden and the big guy," House Oversight Chair James Comer said in a statement to ABC News, referencing unproven allegations against Hunter Biden and his father.
MORE: Timeline: Hunter Biden under legal, political scrutiny
Comer said Republicans are looking for indictments related to "money laundering, violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, tax evasion, the list goes on and on."
A White House spokesperson has said that "congressional Republicans, in their eagerness to go after President Biden regardless of the truth, continue to push claims that have been debunked for years," and that President Biden "was never in business with his son."
veryGood! (28)
Related
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Céline Dion's Sister Shares Update on Singer's Health Amid Battle With Stiff Person Syndrome
- The one glaring (but simple) fix the USWNT needs to make before knockout round
- A truck driver won $1M after announcing his retirement. He still put in his last 2 weeks.
- US Open player compensation rises to a record $65 million, with singles champs getting $3.6 million
- Adidas nets $437 million from the first Yeezy sale. Part of it will go to anti-hate groups
- Queens train derailment: 13 injured as train carrying about 100 passengers derails in NYC
- In Niger, US seeks to hang on to its last, best counterterrorist outpost in West Africa
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Why are actors making movies during the strike? What to know about SAG-AFTRA waivers
Ranking
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- No AP Psychology credit for Florida students after clash over teaching about gender
- Investigation timeline of Gilgo Beach murders
- 'Charlie's Angels' stars Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson reunite at family wedding: Watch the video
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- NFL Star Josh Allen Reacts to Being Photographed Making Out With Hailee Steinfeld
- Stuck with a big medical bill? Here's what to know about paying it off.
- New Jersey house explosion leaves 2 dead, 2 missing, 2 children injured
Recommendation
Connie Chiume, South African 'Black Panther' actress, dies at 72
Pence seizes on Trump’s latest indictment as he looks to break through in crowded GOP field
Actor Mark Margolis, murderous drug kingpin on ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul,’ dies at 83
Taylor Swift's remaining surprise songs: What you still might hear on the Eras Tour
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Idaho College Murder Case: Suspect's Alleged Alibi Revealed Ahead of Trial
Most populous Arizona counties closely watch heat-associated deaths after hottest month
Taylor Swift Gifts Vanessa and Kobe Bryant's Daughter Bianka Her 22 Hat at Eras Tour