Hunter Biden plea: Judge instructs first son to look for job and stay away from drugs
U.S. district judge Maryellen Noreika presented some conditions to first son Hunter Biden Wednesday, if he wanted to avoid jail while an investigation is underway.
Noreika told the son of the president to actively look for work, to stop drinking and using drugs, to not purchase or possess firearms, and to submit to random drug testing in exchange for him not being arrested. The younger Biden is a drug addict and was accused of having a gun while using drugs.
Biden’s gun charges would be dismissed if he can comply with the conditions of his release. If he does not comply with the conditions, the gun charge could carry a 10-year sentence.
Defense team members expected Biden to enter a guilty plea on Wednesday to two tax charges in exchange for the dismissal of the gun charge. However, a chaotic scene took place in federal court in Wilmington. Noreika, after more than three-hours of deliberation, delayed her decision until she received additional briefings by the government and defendant’s attorney.
An initial agreement started to go sour after a Justice Department lawyer admitted that the investigation was still in progress and that the son could theoretically be charged with other crimes. One of the hypotheticals included failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act as a Foreign Agent.
Biden’s lawyers argued that the plea agreement had been nullified when the Justice Department acknowledged there was an ongoing investigation. Biden pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Republicans applauded Norieka for rejecting Biden’s sweetheart deal, which Republicans claim is too lenient. This is especially true given that former President Donald Trump has been indicted multiple times.
James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee (R-KY), told Fox News that District Judge Noreika had done the right thing in refusing to approve Hunter Biden’s sweetheart deal. But let’s not be confused: Hunter’s sweetheart deal should go in the garbage.
In 30 days, the court will reconvene with a revised agreement and reexamine this case.
