(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) The Justice Department is moving forward with charges against Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, for alleged gun possession in 2018, according to a recent court filing.
This development follows the plea agreement that some Republicans criticized as a “sweetheart” deal favorable to Hunter. In that deal, which was ultimately scuttled, Hunter avoided jail time by pleading guilty, a decision that raised concerns among conservative circles. The decision to press charges now suggests that the DOJ may be reconsidering the leniency granted in the contentious deal.
The charges came to light in a court filing released by the DOJ on Wednesday. The filing marks the first move made by U.S. District Attorney David Weiss as special counsel. Weiss, who received support from Democrats in his initial appointment as a federal prosecutor, sought special counsel status from Attorney General Merrick Garland.
This request contradicted earlier claims by the Biden administration that Weiss had full independence to pursue charges as he saw fit. This decision has further sparked controversy and raised questions about the DOJ’s autonomy.
Whistleblower testimony from IRS employees who investigated Hunter added to the controversy, alleging that Weiss had encountered obstacles in pursuing more severe charges against the scandal-ridden first son. This revelation cast doubt on the DOJ’s claims of impartiality and prompted investigations by the Republican-led House of Representatives.
While the new charges may indicate the DOJ’s response to bipartisan criticism of Hunter’s alleged actions, some prominent Republicans have criticized the appointment of Weiss as special counsel, citing concerns about his role in the initial plea deal.
As reported by Politico, the timing of these charges is notable, potentially coinciding with Biden’s re-election campaign in 2024. Federal prosecutor Leo Wise, in the court filing, urged the judge to adhere to the Speedy Trial Act, setting a Sept. 29 deadline for the indictment. “The Government intends to seek the return of an indictment in this case before that date,” the court filing stated.
The potential charge also come as Biden faces imminent threats of impeachment from the House, with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., announcing last week that the House could vote on launching an impeachment inquiry if the president continues to stonewall documents related to an alleged bribery and corruption within the DOJ.
In response to the charges, Hunter’s attorneys continued to assert his innocence and maintain that the previous plea deal remains in effect. However, this deal faced scrutiny when Judge Maryellen Noreika questioned its unusual terms, including conflicting statements about immunity from other charges. Judge Noreika dismissed the tax charges against Hunter, pending new litigation.
