WILMINGTON, Del. — A juror in the Hunter Biden federal gun trial says he believes the trial was “a waste of taxpayer dollars” but text messages provided enough for the 12 men and women to agree on a guilty verdict.
The man, identified as Juror 10, said he believes President Joe Biden’s son needed help for his addictions and should not receive any prison time for his convictions.
“We were not thinking of the sentencing when deliberating but I do not believe that Hunter belongs in jail,” he said in an interview with CNN.
The jury deliberated for less than three hours on Tuesday, finding Hunter Biden guilty on two charges related to false statements in purchasing the firearm and a count of illegally obtaining a firearm while addicted to drugs.
Juror 10 also said that politics did not come into play but added the defense putting Naomi Biden, Hunter Biden’s daughter, on the stand was a mistake.
“No politics came into play,” he said. “I think it was a bad mistake for them to put Naomi Biden on the stand.”
The jury said the text messages between Hunter Biden and others before and following the gun purchase was enough proof for a conviction.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison with the conviction on all three charges but given he is a first-time offender it’s unlikely he will receive the maximum sentence. First lady Jill Biden was not in the courtroom as the verdict was read, and arrived at the courthouse minutes later.
Two of the counts carry maximum prison sentences of 10 years, while the third has a maximum of five years while each count also has a maximum fine of $250,000.
No sentencing date has been set.
The President has the power to pardon his son, but told ABC News in an interview on June 6 that he would not and would accept the jury’s decision.
