Hunter Biden arrives at court for tax evasion trial in California

Joe Biden's son Hunter pleaded guilty in a tax evasion trial on Thursday, without reaching the deal he had sought with prosecutors, in a case that has been an embarrassment for the US president. He  admitted nine counts related to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes over the past decade, money that prosecutors said he splurged instead on luxury living, sex workers and a drug habit.

US District Judge set sentencing for December 16. Biden faces up to 17 years in prison and a fine in excess of $1 million. Biden has already spent a chunk of 2024 in court, having been convicted in Delaware of lying about his drug use when he bought a gun -- an act that is a felony. He has yet to be sentenced for that crime, and could face up to 25 years imprisonment.