Special Counsel David Weiss, who previously attempted to provide Hunter Biden with a “favorable” plea deal, expressed his gratitude to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday for the alleged “independence” in prosecuting the president’s son.
“I want to thank Attorney General Garland for providing the support necessary to fulfill our mission, ensuring that we have the independence to appropriately pursue our investigations and prosecutions,” he stated.
Attorney General Merrick Garland (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
After being appointed by Garland, Weiss initially tried, in 2023, to offer Hunter a plea deal with a special agreement that granted Hunter immunity from all potential future charges, including a provision to potentially expunge a felony gun violation from his record.
The deal allowed Hunter the option to plead guilty to not paying taxes on over $1.5 million in income for 2017 and 2018, resulting in probation rather than jail time.
Hunter Biden arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 4, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The “favorable” deal fell apart in court after Judge Maryellen Noreika examined the agreement amid concerns that it was “unusual” and “not straightforward.” The special deal never materialized.
Weiss then presented Hunter with a second plea deal related to gun charges, which Hunter rejected, choosing instead to go to trial in Delaware.
Following the complications with the gun-related case, Weiss charged Hunter in 2023 with tax violations in California. The trial is scheduled for September 2024.
