Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to tax fraud charges
- The US president’s son is accused of failing to pay US$1.4 million in taxes while spending millions on drugs, escorts, exotic cars and other high-ticket items
- He also has pleaded not guilty in a separate federal case in which he is charged with lying about his illegal drug use when he bought a gun
US President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty on Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles to tax charges stemming from business dealings that have also prompted an impeachment probe of his father.
Hunter Biden, 53, stands criminally accused of failing to pay US$1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019, while spending millions of dollars on drugs, escorts, exotic cars and other high-ticket items. He faces up to 17 years in prison if convicted.
Wearing a navy blue suit and tie, he responded “not guilty” when US District Judge Mark Scarsi asked how he would plead in the case.
Scarsi set a trial date of June 20.
Biden did not address news crews or protesters waiting outside the courthouse after the hearing. A federal motorcade left the building via a rear exit.