Both claim that Mr. Biden was a functional crack cocaine addict, contradicting the defense’s argument that an addict could not have functioned well enough to purchase a gun.
WILMINGTON, Del.—Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial continued on June 5 with prosecutors calling his ex-wife and ex-girlfriend to testify about his crack cocaine addiction.
Prosecutors have focused on Mr. Biden’s significant cash withdrawals in the year of the gun purchase, as well as texts, photos, and videos allegedly showing his crack cocaine use before and after buying the gun on Oct. 18, 2018. By including testimonies from his ex-partners, prosecutors aim to demonstrate that Mr. Biden knowingly lied on his gun application form when he denied being a drug addict.
His defense team argued that the cash withdrawals in 2018 were for alcohol, rehab, and sobriety services.
During their testimonies, his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and ex-girlfriend Zoe Kestan both stated that Mr. Biden was using alcohol and crack cocaine concurrently.
Mr. Biden faces three felony charges related to the 2018 firearm purchase, including lying on his application about being a drug user and illegally possessing the gun for 11 days.
Ms. Buhle, a nonprofit CEO in Washington, testified that her marriage with Mr. Biden deteriorated after she found a crack pipe on their porch in 2015. She also mentioned that the Navy had discharged him for cocaine use. Despite this, she noted that he was able to function in various aspects of his life, with many not realizing he was under the influence.
His defense team previously argued that Mr. Biden could not have been using crack leading up to the gun purchase, claiming that a functional crack addict does not exist and would not be capable of completing the purchase and application.
Ex-Girlfriend Discusses Drug Use
Ms. Kestan testified that she met Mr. Biden in 2018 and described his behavior while under the influence of drugs. She also mentioned his attempts to self-medicate with unconventional substances.
She claimed to have assisted him in learning how to convert powder cocaine into crack through online research.
His defense maintains that Mr. Biden believed he was no longer addicted to crack on the day he purchased the gun, thus did not intentionally lie on the form.
Prosecutors focused on approximately $399,000 in cash withdrawals made by Mr. Biden in 2018, suggesting that the money was spent on drugs.
His attorneys argued that the withdrawals were for alcohol or rehab services, pointing out payments made for sobriety programs.
While the trial continues, First Lady Jill Biden has been present in court each day.
If convicted in the federal gun case, Mr. Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders typically receive lesser sentences.
Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link
