Unprecedented verdict: US President Biden’s son found guilty in arms & drugs case
12 June 2024 10:41
A federal jury has found lawyer Hunter Biden, the son of the current US president, guilty on all three counts in a federal gun case. The verdict was handed down because Hunter Biden violated laws that prohibit people with drug addictions from owning firearms, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
This is an unprecedented case of a family member of a sitting president being found guilty of committing a crime during his father’s presidential term, although the crimes themselves were committed before Joe Biden was elected.
The jury found Hunter Biden guilty on all three counts related to the purchase of a revolver in October 2018 at a gun shop in Delaware. The first two counts related to providing false information about drug use on a federal background check, and the third count related to possession of a weapon while under the influence of drugs or for the use of illegal drugs.
Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000. However, he is likely to receive a much more lenient sentence as he is being prosecuted for the first time.
Special Prosecutor David Weiss said that “no one in this country is above the law”. President Biden pledged to support his son and said he would “respect the court’s decision” if his son decides to appeal. Mr Biden himself expressed disappointment with the verdict but was encouraged by the support of his family.
The sentence was handed down amid Joe Biden’s re-election campaign and after the recent indictment of his rival Donald Trump.
Hunter Biden, weapons and drugs
The allegations against Hunter Biden were that in October 2018, he purchased a revolver from a gun shop in Delaware. When purchasing the weapon, he falsely filled out a federal background investigation form, concealing the fact of his illegal drug use and drug addiction.
According to the prosecution, at the time of the purchase of the revolver, Hunter Biden was addicted to crack and other illegal drugs. Therefore, his actions were classified as the illegal acquisition and possession of firearms by a person with a drug addiction, which is a federal crime.
During the trial, three former partners of Hunter Biden testified, including Hally Biden, the widow of his brother Beau. They detailed how Hunter’s drug addiction undermined his marriage, destroyed his relationship with his children, and put his life in danger.
