Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is currently facing federal firearm charges for allegedly lying about his drug use when purchasing a gun in 2018. This week’s proceedings in a Delaware courtroom have been intense, with testimonies from his ex-wife and former girlfriend providing insights into his past drug use. As the trial unfolds, critical details have emerged, shedding light on the allegations against him.
Who Testified About Hunter Biden’s Drug Use?
This week, two key witnesses testified about Hunter Biden’s drug use: his ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and his former girlfriend, Zoe Kestan. Their accounts provided a glimpse into Biden’s struggles with addiction and the impact it had on his personal life.
What Did Kathleen Buhle Reveal?
Kathleen Buhle, who was married to Hunter Biden for over 20 years, took the stand under subpoena. During her brief testimony, Buhle recounted discovering Hunter’s drug use in July 2015 when she found a crack pipe in an ashtray on their porch. She confronted him, and Hunter admitted to smoking crack cocaine.
Buhle’s suspicions about his drug use predated this discovery. She mentioned that Hunter had been discharged from the Navy after failing a drug test, which had already raised concerns. Buhle expressed her fears for their family’s safety, explaining that she would check Hunter’s car for drugs before their daughter used it, to ensure her safety.
During cross-examination, Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, asked Buhle if she had ever seen Hunter use drugs. She admitted she had not, but she reiterated that Hunter had confessed to using drugs multiple times during their marriage.
What Did Zoe Kestan Testify?
Zoe Kestan, who met Hunter Biden in December 2017, provided a detailed account of their tumultuous relationship, which began at a strip club in Manhattan where she worked. Kestan, who testified under immunity, described her first encounter with Hunter. During a private session, he pulled out a pipe and began smoking what she assumed to be crack cocaine.
Kestan painted a vivid picture of their whirlwind romance, detailing how they would spend extended periods in luxury hotels in New York and California. She testified that Hunter smoked crack every 20 minutes while they were together but noted that his demeanor remained charming and unchanged by the drug use.
Kestan’s testimony was crucial for the prosecution. She described an incident in late September 2018, where she witnessed Hunter smoking crack in California. This period was significant as it followed his time in rehab, indicating he relapsed soon after his treatment. Kestan also mentioned frequent large cash withdrawals from ATMs by Hunter, which she believed were used to buy drugs.
What Are the Charges Against Hunter Biden?
Hunter Biden is facing federal firearm charges for allegedly lying about his drug use on a firearm purchase form in October 2018. The form required him to declare whether he was a user of illegal drugs, and by marking “no,” he is accused of providing false information to acquire a firearm.
How Did the Defense Respond to These Testimonies?
Hunter Biden’s defense team, led by Abbe Lowell, sought to discredit the testimonies of the witnesses by highlighting gaps and inconsistencies. In Kestan’s case, Lowell questioned whether she had any contact with Hunter in October 2018, the crucial period when he purchased the gun. Kestan admitted she did not have any contact with him during that time.
Lowell also tried to undermine the prosecution’s narrative that Hunter’s cash withdrawals were solely for buying drugs. He highlighted that Hunter often gave money to Kestan for her personal expenses or to reimburse her, suggesting that not all cash was used for drugs.
Regarding Kathleen Buhle’s testimony, Lowell emphasized that she had never seen Hunter using drugs, even though she was aware of his addiction issues. This line of questioning aimed to create doubt about the extent and timing of Hunter’s drug use in relation to the firearm purchase.
What Role Did the FBI Special Agent Play in the Trial?
FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen also testified, providing insights into the investigation. Jensen acknowledged under cross-examination that Hunter’s text messages from October 2018 did not frequently mention drug use. However, the prosecution pointed out a critical text message sent by Hunter two days after buying the gun, where he mentioned smoking crack while sleeping in a car.
What’s Next in Hunter Biden’s Trial?
As the trial continues, the court will hear more testimonies and evidence regarding Hunter Biden’s alleged falsehoods on the firearm purchase form. The prosecution aims to establish a clear timeline and pattern of drug use that coincides with the gun purchase, while the defense will work to poke holes in these allegations and the credibility of the witnesses.
Conclusion
Hunter Biden’s trial is a complex case that delves into issues of addiction, legal responsibility, and personal challenges. The testimonies of his ex-wife and former girlfriend have added layers of detail to the narrative of his life during a tumultuous period. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how these revelations will influence the jury and the outcome of the case. Hunter Biden’s defense team continues to challenge the evidence presented, striving to counter the claims of drug use and deception. The final verdict will hinge on the interpretation of these critical testimonies and the evidence brought forth in the courtroom.
