In an unexpected development, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, pleaded not guilty to federal tax charges. This comes after a plea deal Biden reached with the government was derailed due to concerns from U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika.
Biden had been expected to plead guilty to two charges of failure to pay taxes under the plea agreement. The judge, however, challenged the terms, expressing concern over the proposed separation of tax charges and a gun possession charge, and the judiciary’s role in overseeing the deal.
Judge Noreika pushed both parties to reconvene and provide further clarity. In a courtroom filled with tension and disagreement, Biden is expected to reverse his plea if a new agreement is reached or if the information presented satisfies the judge.
The judge also scrutinized the potential for the plea deal to shield Biden from prosecution regarding his financial and tax issues. The judge is seeking additional information on the reasoning behind the terms of the agreement.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.