This summer, a deal was on the way, in which Hunter Biden would plead guilty to tax evasion and avoid prosecution for gun possession while abusing drugs. But the agreement — reached with the U.S. Department of Justice — was withdrawn after the judge questioned how it was worded.
Biden then pleaded not guilty and the deal broke down.
Must have used drugs
According to the indictment filed Thursday, Hunter Biden, 53, lied in a form when he bought a gun at a gun store in the city of Wilmington, Delaware, in October 2018.
He is accused of falsely ticking that he did not use or was addicted to drugs and of illegally carrying the gun while using drugs.
The announcement that the president's son is being indicted comes shortly after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that the U.S. House of Representatives is launching an impeachment process against President Joe Biden. The impeachment process largely builds alleged wrongdoing around son Hunter Biden.
Constant target
In the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, Hunter Biden was a constant target of then-President Donald Trump's campaign. He was then singled out, among other things, for his alcohol and drug abuse.
In addition, Hunter Biden's directorship in a Ukrainian gas company was a hot political issue. Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate the latter, which subsequently led to Trump's impeachment.
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Hunter Biden's career has been marred by scandals – see more here. Photo: Al Drago/TT