IRS whistleblower claims pressure on judge to reject Hunter Biden’s plea deal.

The Pressure Mounts: Former DOJ Officials Urge Judge to Reject Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal

The Delaware-based federal judge set to preside over Hunter Biden’s arraignment later this month is facing increasing pressure from former Department of Justice officials. They are urging the judge to reject Biden’s plea deal, as a majority of the nation believes that the president’s son received preferential treatment.

In a recent poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports, 55% of likely U.S. voters disagreed with the deal prosecutors made with Biden. The agreement involves pleading guilty to certain tax charges and entering a diversion program for a gun charge, which would help him avoid jail time.

Former DOJ Official Calls for Rejection of Plea Deal

Eileen O’Connor, a former head of the DOJ’s tax division, recently penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal titled “Throw Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal in the Trash.” In her article, she urged the judge to reject the agreement struck between Biden and U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David C. Weiss. O’Connor argued that the deal gives credibility to recent claims made by IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley.

Shapley, a current IRS agent with over 14 years of experience, alleged that he was prevented from taking certain investigative steps that could have implicated the president himself. He claimed that he was barred from bringing charges in other jurisdictions and denied special counsel status by the DOJ.

O’Connor highlighted Shapley’s testimony to Congress, where he stated that Weiss admitted he was not the final decision maker regarding charges against Biden. This revelation prompted Shapley to become a whistleblower and seek legal counsel.

Weiss, however, maintains that he had “ultimate authority” over the investigation and the power to decide where, when, and whether to file charges. He refuted claims of interference and expressed willingness to discuss the matter further with the House Judiciary Committee.

Legal Experts Divided on Treatment of Hunter Biden

Following the announcement of Biden’s likely probation-only plea deal for misdemeanor tax crimes and a gun crime, legal experts have expressed differing opinions on whether he received preferential treatment.

Some, like former Utah U.S. Attorney Brett L. Tolman, argue that if Biden were treated like an average citizen, he would face decades in federal prison. On the other hand, former prosecutors like Renato Mariotti contend that Biden was actually treated harshly, as these types of crimes are rarely charged.

The fate of the plea deal now rests in the hands of Judge Maryellen Noreika, who will preside over the hearing scheduled for July 26 at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Office of Special Counsel, Biden’s attorneys, and Weiss’s office for comment.

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