Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, has reportedly reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors after a years-long investigation into his taxes and an illegal firearm purchase. The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the 53-year-old will plead guilty to two misdemeanors for failing to pay about $1.2 million in taxes in 2017 and 2018, and will also admit to the illegal purchase of a firearm in 2018. He is not expected to face jail time, and will be given two years of probation. Biden will reportedly enter a diversion program for the gun charge, which could be revoked from his record upon completion of the program. The gun purchase was illegal because he was on drugs at the time of the incident.
Hunter Biden's lawyer Chris Clark said that his client takes responsibility for the mistakes made during a period of addiction and turmoil in his life, and looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward. Joe and Jill Biden issued a statement saying that they love and support their son, and have no further comment. Conservatives have criticized the plea deal, arguing that Hunter Biden received special treatment because of his father's position as president. House Oversight and Accountability Committee chairman James Comer (R-KY) called it a "slap on the wrist," while former U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman criticized the Department of Justice for violating its own internal policies.
The plea deal comes as Hunter Biden and his father face inquiries from Republican lawmakers over an alleged $5 million bribery scheme involving Ukraine. The allegation is based on an FD-1023 form created by the FBI after an interview with a highly credible confidential human source in June 2020. The Bidens have denied any wrongdoing.