Judge Mark Scarsi denied all eight motions filed by Hunter Biden’s legal team to dismiss the tax charges against him. The president’s son was hit with three felony and six misdemeanor tax-related charges last year and has pleaded not guilty. One of the defense motions focused on a failed plea deal, while another argued that prosecutors selectively targeted Biden. In rejecting the selective prosecution argument, Judge Scarsi stated that Biden failed to present clear evidence of discriminatory effect and purpose.
The defense also argued that special counsel David Weiss, who is leading the prosecution, was not correctly appointed to his position. However, Judge Scarsi denied this argument as well. The defense claimed that statements from congressional Republicans influenced how prosecutors handled the case, but Judge Scarsi dismissed this as politicians taking credit for things over which they have no power. Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, criticized the order and stated that they will continue to vigorously pursue challenges to the way the case was investigated.
During a hearing last week, Biden’s attorneys asked for the tax charges to be dismissed, arguing that the case was politically motivated. Lowell argued that the investigation was not handled in a regular manner. Biden was also indicted last year on federal gun charges related to possessing a firearm while using narcotics, and the trial is scheduled for June. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges as well. The special counsel’s office declined to comment on the judge’s order, and Judge Scarsi is expected to rule on the motions by April 17.
Tom Winter, a New York-based correspondent covering crime, courts, terrorism, and financial fraud for the NBC News Investigative Unit, reported on this case. Sarah Fitzpatrick, a senior investigative producer and story editor for NBC News, who previously worked for CBS News and “60 Minutes,” also contributed to the coverage. Megan Lebowitz, a politics reporter for NBC News, and Gary Grumbach also contributed to the report on the judge’s decision to deny Hunter Biden’s motions to dismiss the tax charges against him. The case has garnered significant attention due to Biden’s status as the president’s son and the allegations against him.
