Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy McCarthy joined ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss the latest on the investigation into the Biden family’s alleged influence-peddling scheme ahead of the 2024 election. Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is set to make his initial appearance in a California federal court on nine tax-related charges on January 11, 2024. The court hearing will take place in Los Angeles before Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar at 1 p.m., according to the Central District of California’s court calendar.
During this initial court hearing, defendants typically learn more about the charges against them and their rights, as stated by the Justice Department’s website. The judge will then determine whether the defendant should be released on bail based on various factors, such as the defendant’s ties to the community, criminal record, and potential danger to the community.
According to the indictment, Hunter Biden is facing federal charges related to a “four-year scheme” during which he allegedly failed to pay his federal income taxes from January 2017 to October 2020, while also filing false tax reports. The charges include three felonies and six misdemeanors, totaling approximately $1.4 million in owed taxes that have since been paid. Special Counsel David Weiss accuses Hunter Biden of engaging in this scheme and evading tax assessment for the year 2018 by filing false returns.
Weiss further alleges that Hunter Biden used millions of dollars to fund an extravagant lifestyle instead of fulfilling his tax obligations. Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has criticized Weiss and the charges, claiming that if Hunter’s last name were not Biden, the charges would not have been brought. Lowell also accused Weiss of succumbing to Republican pressure and filing unconstitutional gun charges against Hunter Biden.
In addition to the tax-related charges, Hunter Biden still faces the possibility of being held in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena to testify about his financial dealings before House lawmakers.
It is important to note that the investigation and charges against Hunter Biden come in the midst of the 2024 election campaign, adding a political dimension to the case. The Biden family’s alleged influence-peddling scheme has been a subject of scrutiny by Republicans, while Democrats argue that the charges are politically motivated.
As the court appearance approaches, the outcome of Hunter Biden’s case will undoubtedly have implications for both the Biden administration and the political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.
