Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware, David Weiss, has responded to claims that the investigation into Hunter Biden was impeded. In a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, Weiss defended the investigation and clarified the process for partnering with other U.S. attorney’s offices. The letter was written in response to a request from House Republicans for material related to accusations made by IRS agents involved in the Hunter Biden case.
Weiss explained that as the U.S. attorney for the District of Delaware, his charging authority is limited to his home district. If a case falls outside of his jurisdiction, it is common practice to contact the U.S. attorney’s office in that district and determine if they want to partner on the case. If not, Weiss can request special attorney status from the Attorney General. He stated that he has been assured that if necessary, he would be granted § 515 Authority in the District of Columbia, the Central District of California, or any other district where charges could be brought in this matter.
Court filings unsealed earlier this month revealed that Weiss’ office charged Hunter Biden with two misdemeanor tax counts and a felony gun charge. Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to the tax counts and enter into a diversion program for the gun charge. The plea deal is currently awaiting approval from a judge at a hearing scheduled for July 26. However, an IRS agent named Gary Shapely, who worked on the case, claimed that the evidence warranted more severe charges. He also alleged that Weiss told him prosecutors in Delaware were prevented from bringing charges in other jurisdictions and that Weiss was denied special counsel status by the Justice Department.
Weiss reiterated his defense of the investigation in his letter to Jordan, stating that he has ultimate authority over the case and the responsibility to decide where, when, and whether to file charges. Attorney General Merrick Garland previously supported Weiss, stating that he was permitted to continue his investigation and make decisions on prosecution. Shapley defended his allegations, stating that he testified based on his perspective and experience gained over 14 years.
Weiss addressed claims of retaliation in his letter, stating that the Department of Justice did not retaliate against the IRS agent and whistleblower who made protected disclosures to Congress. House Republicans have requested closed-door interviews with Weiss and other investigators, but Weiss did not commit to them before the July 26 hearing. He expressed his willingness to discuss the allegations with the committee at an appropriate time.
Despite the ongoing investigation, House Republicans have been accused of attempting to derail Hunter Biden’s plea deal by pushing false allegations from IRS whistleblowers. Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, accused the Republicans of undermining the judicial proceedings and releasing selective false allegations. The IRS whistleblowers began coming forward months before testifying to the GOP-controlled House Ways and Means Committee. The White House reiterated that the Justice Department is handling the matter independently, free from political interference.
Weiss concluded his letter by stating that he is unable to provide specific information related to the Hunter Biden investigation at this time due to the ongoing investigation. He cited the need to protect confidential law enforcement information and deliberative communications.
Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-07-01 15:09:00
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