Hunter Biden indicted, federal gun charges, Sept 2023

[MyBelle]

But the prosecutor was appointed by Trump and has no loyalty to the Bidens.

The prosecutor needs to follow the law and not do political favors for politicians. Yes, he was appointed by Trump but it was the two Delaware Dem Senators who nominated him. The plea deal smacks of political favoritism and I think most Americans want our DOJ to be non-political in the enforcement of our laws.

JMO

 

[happyday]

The prosecutor needs to follow the law and not do political favors for politicians. Yes, he was appointed by Trump but it was the two Delaware Dem Senators who nominated him. The plea deal smacks of political favoritism and I think most Americans want our DOJ to be non-political in the enforcement of our laws.

JMO

I agree we want the DOJ to be non political and follow the law. IMO we don’t have any reason to think that he didn’t follow the law. If he had overcharged at this point, he would have been accused of being biased against the Bidens. He has said the investigation is still ongoing so I think he’s being cautious and that if the investigation warrants more charges, then we’ll see that happen. I’m just not sure he’s doing political favors. It seems to me though, that he’s not appreciating being stuck in the middle and is calling out the whistleblower.

 

[MyBelle]

I agree we want the DOJ to be non political and follow the law. IMO we don’t have any reason to think that he didn’t follow the law. If he had overcharged at this point, he would have been accused of being biased against the Bidens. He has said the investigation is still ongoing so I think he’s being cautious and that if the investigation warrants more charges, then we’ll see that happen. I’m just not sure he’s doing political favors. It seems to me though, that he’s not appreciating being stuck in the middle and is calling out the whistleblower.

There are two whistleblowers. We have laws to protect whistleblowers and they are claiming retaliation. It's a tad deeper than just being "stuck in the middle." Republicans want a Special Prosecutor and it is not an unreasonable request.

JMO

Republicans Demand Special Counsel Probe of IRS in Hunter Biden Case

Three House chairmen and two Senate committee ranking members call for Office of Special Counsel to review IRS retaliation allegations.

www.dailysignal.com

IRS special agent Gary Shapley, a 14-year veteran of the IRS, and a separate, anonymous whistleblower, told the House Ways and Means Committee that the probe of President Joe Biden’s son was stalled and that certain charges weren’t brought.

“The importance of protecting whistleblowers from unlawful retaliation and informing whistleblowers about their rights under the law cannot be understated. After all, it is the law,” says the letter from two Senate committee ranking members and three House committee chairmen to U.S. special counsel Henry Kerner.

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Good question. Where did the 10% for the Big Guy go? Just to Hunter? It appears the IRS was looking for it, but they got shut down by the DOJ. It is easy to say there is no evidence if you don't look for it.

10% of what?

 

[PrairieWind]

The whistleblower also may not understand that just because he thinks there should be more charges, typically a prosecutor's job does not involve charges that won't stick ... charges that will not lead to a conviction.

Both the tax and the gun charges were rock solid. Cases don't get more solid than that. Why they were combined,..... well I shouldn't even say that, why the gun charge was simply dismissed, is hard to explain.

 

[Chimera]

The whistleblower also may not understand that just because he thinks there should be more charges, typically a prosecutor's job does not involve charges that won't stick ... charges that will not lead to a conviction.

In order for charges to 'stick', there needs to be full cooperation from all sides, correct ?

 

[ml33b]

Bob would be free to negotiate a plea deal as well. Can you give an example of someone facing the same charges being treated differently?

Man sentenced to prison for prohibited person in possession of a firearm

MEADOW BRIDGE, WV (WVNS) — Shaun L. Williams, age 45 of Meadow Bridge was sentenced on July 7, 2023, to five years in prison for the felony offense of prohibited person in possession of a fir…

www.wvnstv.com

MOO I think this article gives a pretty good comparison on the charges that a "normal" person would face. This man was just trying to hunt and he was sentenced to five years in prison.

 

[Chimera]

Hunter Biden prosecutor says Justice Dept didn't interfere in probe

The federal prosecutor overseeing the criminal case against U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter on Monday said the Justice Department never impeded him from bringing charges, appearing to debunk claims made by an Internal Revenue Service whistleblower.

www.reuters.com

Also this….

WASHINGTON, July 10 (Reuters) - The federal prosecutor overseeing the criminal case against U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter on Monday said the Justice Department never impeded him from bringing charges, appearing to debunk claims made by an Internal Revenue Service whistleblower.

Thanks for the link.
The Justice Dept. aka the DOJ (?) would need to be impartial in this case, correct ?

From the above link : Their criticism has been fueled in part by claims from Gary Shapley, an IRS criminal supervisory agent who worked on the Hunter Biden investigation.

From this article, it sounds like Shapley is still employed by the IRS ?

Then there was this :
Weiss' office last month revealed that it was charging Hunter Biden with two misdemeanor tax charges, to which the president's son is expected to plead guilty later this month. Hunter Biden also has agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion program to avoid facing a more serious felony count of possessing a firearm while he was using illegal drugs.

Shapley said that when Weiss sought permission from Garland to be designated as special counsel, so he could bring charges from anywhere in the country, his request was denied.
Red emphasis mine.
Misdemeanor -- as in, this can be solved by paying back the taxes owed, and also encompasses the felony bit by entering the pretrial diversion program ?

As far as Shapley's statement, it sounds like Shapley and Garland are at odds ?
Like, "he said... he said".
Maybe by now they've worked out a compromise ?

This isn't the whistleblower and would also seem to open more questions. Good grief.

Makes the case more complicated if true. ^^^
Shapley is the whistleblower, but did he receive information from this G. L. ?

Omo.

 

[Chimera]

Hunter committed tax evasion which is a felony and he got caught. His plea deal is a reflection of his privilege because of his father's political career. Of course he is cooperating because he knows he won't go to jail.

JMO

Which is unfortunate if accurate.
Everyone needs to face the consequences no matter what.
But again it looks like some are holding him to account ?
Omo.

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Man sentenced to prison for prohibited person in possession of a firearm

MEADOW BRIDGE, WV (WVNS) — Shaun L. Williams, age 45 of Meadow Bridge was sentenced on July 7, 2023, to five years in prison for the felony offense of prohibited person in possession of a fir…

www.wvnstv.com

MOO I think this article gives a pretty good comparison on the charges that a "normal" person would face. This man was just trying to hunt and he was sentenced to five years in prison.

You really don't see any differences in the cases?

On March 3, 2022, officers decided to do a search warrant at a home occupied by Williams in Danese, West Virginia after receiving a complaint from a neighbor that Williams was trespassing on their property to hunt.

Williams was identified on the neighbor’s trail camera as well. During the search, officers found multiple firearms, including the Savage .223 rifle Williams was seen carrying on the trail camera picture. Williams is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions. Testing proved that the Savage .223 rifle was seen carrying was fully operable.

bbm

 

[SouthAussie]

In order for charges to 'stick', there needs to be full cooperation from all sides, correct ?

No. In order for charges to stick there must be sufficient evidence that proves the crime. imo

There may not be sufficient evidence to prove tax evasion - but obviously enough evidence to prove that Hunter did not pay the taxes he was liable to pay, so he has been charged with that.

Tax evasion is a deliberate act. Many people have errors on their tax returns. Some of them intentional, some not intentional. A prosecutor would have to prove that Hunter's error(s) were intentional.

imo

 

[Laughing]

You really don't see any differences in the cases?



bbm

Difference in geography, for certain, and related demographics.

Mr. Williams had a hunting rifle in rural West Virginia, where imho many people own hunting rifles. Not in WV myself, but for families in my area, a hunting rifle is a tool used to feed one's family.

Hunter Biden, iirc, lived in urban Washington, D.C. imho few people in the District own a concealable Colt Cobra .38 Special. A concealable Colt Cobra .38 Special is a snub-barrel revolver that literally fits in your pocket. A concealable firearm is a likely choice for personal protection & home defense.

Not sure the precise model Hunter selected, but here is an image:

Colt Cobra 38 Special 2in Stainless Revolver - 6 Rounds

Colt Cobra 38 Special 2in Stainless Revolver - 6 Rounds -The Colt Cobra established Colt's triumphant return to the world of double-action revolvers. Its small frame and 2in barrel make it ideal for concealed carry. The Cobra is chambered in .38 Special and is +P capable, with a rubber wrapped...

www.sportsmans.com

The Colt could be carried past anyone's game camera undetected. Another difference....


jmho ymmv lrr

 

[Laughing]

Came back to edit -- but too late for that!

Another difference in the 2 cases is firing speed.

The Savage hunting rifle is bolt action:

Savage Arms Axis II XP Black Bolt Action Rifle - 223 Remington

Savage Arms Axis II XP Rifle - Features: Savage's user-friendly AccuTrigger system, a factory-mounted, bore-sighted Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope, a button-rifled 22-inch barrel with a matte blued finish, silky smooth bolt action, detachable box magazine and thread-in barrel headspacing.

www.sportsmans.com

The shooter must move the trigger hand to throw the bolt to chamber the next round every time the rifle is fired. I haven't fired for time (used a timer on the range to measure both speed & accuracy on target) for quite a long time, but bolt action is relatively slow. Faster than a muzzle loader, sure, but you are constantly moving your hand off the trigger, your grip has changed, you've probably moved the scope, so time to replace your hand on the trigger guard, aim, fire again; throw the bolt to eject, chamber another shell, replace your hand, aim, you get the picture. Lather Rinse Repeat several steps, several motions. Ruger bolt action .22 btw, don't think I've ever fired a Savage.

Most, if not all shooters, would fire 6 rounds from a .38 Special much faster. This Colt is designed to limit recoil. Aim, squeeze the trigger; aim, squeeze the trigger; times 6, that's it.

iirc when I've emptied a revolver -- feels like you've just started because it all happens so fast. (Some range instructors do quote Dirty Harry -- 'do you feel lucky, Punk? Am I empty?'

just my humble experience ymmv lrr

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Difference in geography, for certain, and related demographics.

Mr. Williams had a hunting rifle in rural West Virginia, where imho many people own hunting rifles. Not in WV myself, but for families in my area, a hunting rifle is a tool used to feed one's family.

Hunter Biden, iirc, lived in urban Washington, D.C. imho few people in the District own a concealable Colt Cobra .38 Special. A concealable Colt Cobra .38 Special is a snub-barrel revolver that literally fits in your pocket. A concealable firearm is a likely choice for personal protection & home defense.

Not sure the precise model Hunter selected, but here is an image:

View attachment 435192

Colt Cobra 38 Special 2in Stainless Revolver - 6 Rounds

Colt Cobra 38 Special 2in Stainless Revolver - 6 Rounds -The Colt Cobra established Colt's triumphant return to the world of double-action revolvers. Its small frame and 2in barrel make it ideal for concealed carry. The Cobra is chambered in .38 Special and is +P capable, with a rubber wrapped...

www.sportsmans.com

The Colt could be carried past anyone's game camera undetected. Another difference....


jmho ymmv lrr

Um, no, it wasn't just geography and demographics. As I already pointed out, this guy was trespassing, had multiple firearms, and had a felony record.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent Confirms IRS Whistleblower Testimony - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

oversight.house.gov

“Today, a former FBI supervisory special agent assigned to the FBI’s Wilmington office and the Biden criminal investigation confirmed key portions of the IRS whistleblower’s testimony. The night before the interview of Hunter Biden, both Secret Service headquarters and the Biden transition team were tipped off about the planned interview. On the day of the Hunter Biden interview, federal agents were told to stand by and could not approach Hunter Biden—they had to wait for his call. As a result of the change in plans, IRS and FBI criminal investigators never got to interview Hunter Biden as part of the investigation.

“The Justice Department’s efforts to cover up for the Bidens reveals a two-tiered system of justice that sickens the American people. The Oversight Committee, along with the Judiciary Committee and Ways and Means Committee, will continue to seek the answers, transparency, and accountability that the American people demand and deserve.”

Below are key takeaways from today’s transcribed interview of a former FBI supervisory special agent.

• As part of the criminal investigation into Hunter Biden, there were multiple witness interviews planned for December 8, 2020. IRS Supervisory Special Agent Gary Shapley and the former FBI supervisory special agent were assigned to interview Hunter Biden.
• On the evening of December 7, 2020, Shapley and the FBI supervisory special agent learned that FBI headquarters had notified Secret Service headquarters about the planned interview with Hunter Biden. Additionally, they learned the Biden transition team was notified about the planned interview. This was not the original plan by the career agents, which frustrated their investigative efforts because people found out who didn’t need to know.
• On December 8, 2020, Shapley and the FBI supervisory special agent were notified they would not be allowed to approach Hunter Biden’s house and instead would have to wait near his residence until Hunter Biden contacted them.
• The former FBI supervisory special agent told committee investigators he had never been told to wait outside to be contacted by the subject of an investigation.
• As a result of these actions, Shapley and the former FBI supervisory special agent never interviewed Hunter Biden.

​

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Hopefully there will be an IG investigation into this to get some real answers.

 

[Chimera]

• [The former FBI supervisory special agent told committee investigators he had never been told to wait outside to be contacted by the subject of an investigation.
• As a result of these actions, Shapley and the former FBI supervisory special agent never interviewed Hunter Biden. ]

Snipped for focus.

This does not sound as impartial as it should have been ?
In order for a fair investigation for everyone, there needs to be an objective approach.
Omo.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

• House Oversight will hear from two IRS whistleblowers in a hearing Wednesday
• Whistleblower X, a 13-year IRS agent, self-identifies as a 'gay Democrat married to a man'
• He will say that Joe Biden may have been 'involved in Hunter's overseas business dealings,' despite his claims otherwise

IRS 'Whistleblower X' on Hunter probe self-identifies as gay Democrat

A 13-year IRS agent known as 'Whistleblower X,' whose identity will be revealed for the first time today during a House hearing, will say that he witnessed abuses of power in Hunter probe.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Laughing]

Um, no, it wasn't just geography and demographics. As I already pointed out, this guy was trespassing, had multiple firearms, and had a felony record.

Some people might perhaps consider drug use to be a more serious crime than trespassing...imho of course.

The list of differences is long imho.

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

IRS whistleblower in Hunter Biden case says he "felt handcuffed" during 5-year probe

An IRS whistleblower in the Hunter Biden investigation told CBS News he was blocked from pursuing leads that he thought might implicate Joe Biden. He testifies at a House hearing Wednesday.

www.cbsnews.com

The Internal Revenue Service case agent who handled "95%" of the tax evidence in the Hunter Biden investigation told CBS News that he "felt handcuffed" during the five-year probe and blocked from pursuing leads that he thought might implicate Hunter Biden's father, President Joe Biden.