In a twist that no one saw coming, Hunter Biden, the second son of US President Joe Biden, has thrown the legal world into a frenzy as his expected plea to two federal misdemeanour counts for failing to pay taxes in 2017 and 2018 has gone out the window. NBC News revealed that the anticipated agreement between Hunter and the prosecutors collapsed due to a disagreement over a separate gun charge.

In this convoluted saga, Delaware District Judge Maryellen Noreika, appointed by Donald Trump, voiced concerns about a component in the deal that permitted Hunter to dodge prosecution for a gun-related charge in a different case. Speculation is rife about the connection between the gun charge and the plea deal.

This event marks the first time the Justice Department, under the executive branch, has raised charges against a sitting president’s offspring. This is the outcome of a five-year justice department investigation into Hunter Biden’s finances.

The initial deal, brokered between Hunter and US Attorney David Weiss—a Trump appointee held on by President Joe Biden to manage the case— implied that prosecutors would suggest probation for the tax infringements. Furthermore, a separate felony gun charge would be dismissed if Biden’s son adhered to specific conditions stated in court.

Hunter’s legal team, however, threw a wrench in the works by declaring the plea deal null and void. The sentencing details for Hunter Biden will be ironed out at a later date.

Hunter Biden has found himself in the hot seat, facing accusations of failing to pay taxes on over $1.5 million income in 2017 and 2018, despite owing more than $100,000. In an additional case, he is accused of illegal possession of a Colt Cobra .38 Special handgun while using a controlled substance. The trial witnessed some confusion over the gun charge, leading the judge to suspend the proceedings until a resolution could be reached.

News of the plea deal in June ignited allegations of preferential treatment for the president’s son from Trump and his Republican allies. The younger Biden has been under scrutiny for years, accused of influence-peddling abroad, among other things.

  David Weiss, Delaware, Donald Trump, Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Maryellen Noreika, USA