# The Hunter Biden Investigation {thread started in 2019}, Hunter Pardoned on December 1, 2024
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964
**Category:** Politics & Elections
**Created:** [September 28, 2019, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964 "2019-09-28T19:54:19Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 63
### Author:  [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1243 "2024-06-06T19:00:48Z")
> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> (Why aren’t the texts in evidence? Defense is _cross_ examining this witness; they haven’t had a chance to call their own witnesses to introduce this evidence)
Oh that is very interesting! I can see how that can be awkward.
---
### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1244 "2024-06-06T19:44:12Z")
She searched through the trash five times and a cop searched it at least once and it was never found. That strikes me as odd.
I wonder if this is an “I lost my gun in a boating accident” situation. She throws out the gun in a public area (that has cameras) then goes back looking for it multiple times, again, on camera. At some point she retrieves it, but still reports it as lost and the video shows her tossing it and attempting to find it. Legally, the gun is missing, technically it’s still in Biden’s possession.
I’m also assuming that the cop reviewed all the footage between the time she tossed it and the time he was at the store reviewing it so he can confirm that no one else took it at some point.
I doubt this is actually the case, but it just seems odd that it was never found. My assumption is that she did toss it, she couldn’t find it and the cop took a cursory look, took her at her word WRT what happened and figured the gun is in a bag, in a dumpster and will be in a landfill soon, never to be seen again.
It’ll be interesting to see what he (the cop) has to say about the events of the day.
---
### Author:  [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1245 "2024-06-06T19:47:18Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#):
>
> I doubt this is actually the case, but it just seems odd that it was never found.
So the gun she threw away is not the gun he was alleged to have bought during the incident that led to these charges, and that they have as evidence in this trial?
---
### Author:  [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1246 "2024-06-06T19:50:09Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#):
>
> Have you used illegal drugs in the last year?”
Is Pot “illegal” then? Legal in many states, and generally not prosecuted at the Federal level.
How about people who abuse prescription drugs?
How about we take that off entirely? I mean if you have been convicted sure- felons can’t own guns- fine.
---
### Author:  [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1247 "2024-06-06T19:56:54Z")
per cnn:
The former state trooper who investigated Hunter Biden’s missing firearm told the jury he eventually found the gun from an old man who took it from the grocery store trash can.
Millard Greer, after “multiple days of surveillance” located the man who others had said collected recyclables at the store, he testified.
When Greer approached the man and said someone threw away something they shouldn’t have, the old man replied, “yes, they did,” according to Greer.
The man gave Greer the firearm which he took out from a sock along with a pouch that contained a speed loader and bullets, Greer said.
---
### Author:  [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1248 "2024-06-06T20:18:19Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#):
>
> Hallie Biden said she “occasionally” saw Hunter Biden with very large crack rocks that were the size of a ping-pong ball.
Daaaaaamn!
---
### Author:  [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1249 "2024-06-06T20:34:18Z")
I saw a lot of crack cocaine in the late 80s as a public defender. I never saw anything like that.
---
### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1250 "2024-06-06T20:38:39Z")
> [@Atamasama](#):
>
> So the gun she threw away is not the gun he was alleged to have bought during the incident that led to these charges, and that they have as evidence in this trial?
I didn’t realize the gun was in evidence. I didn’t see that it was found. So disregard the “lost in a boat accident” example.
> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> Is Pot “illegal” then? Legal in many states, and generally not prosecuted at the Federal level.
>
> How about people who abuse prescription drugs?
>
> How about we take that off entirely? I mean if you have been convicted sure- felons can’t own guns- fine.
There’s no reason to push back. I was simply suggesting a way that it could be written to be less ambiguous, not that I’m suggesting this be the actual wording.
Also, yes, pot is “illegal” at the federal level. The application explicitly states that. The drug use question says “Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.”
> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> How about people who abuse prescription drugs?
What about them? Does that not make them an illegal user?
And, again, I’m not saying I agree or disagree with the question, but as it’s written, as I’m reading it, ISTM someone abusing certain\* prescription drugs would have to check ‘yes’ when asked if they are an unlawful user of of them.
\*certain prescription drugs would be depressants, stimulants, narcotic drugs, or any other controlled substances. So take a handful of lipitor and buy all the guns you want, but take 10 percocets when the bottle says “1-2 per day” and you wouldn’t be allowed to.
> [@Procrustus](#):
>
> I saw a lot of crack cocaine in the late 80s as a public defender. I never saw anything like that.
A friend of mine once had an ounce or two of crack. It was about the size of a half used bar of soap.
---
### Author:  [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1251 "2024-06-06T20:40:44Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#):
>
> A friend of mine once had an ounce or two of crack. It was about the size of a half used bar of soap.
We mostly saw $20 rocks. Maybe a small bag of them. Never anything like a ping pong ball.
---
### Author:  [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1252 "2024-06-06T20:45:00Z")
and on to the recycler who found the gun.
per cnn:
Edward Banner, an 80-year-old man who worked for General Motors for over 30 years, testified Thursday that he found a firearm in a trash can in 2018 outside a Delaware grocery store.
Prosecutor Derek Hines stood right next to Banner as he questioned the Navy veteran, who is hard of hearing.
Banner said he had a hobby of collecting recyclables since before he retired. “I got a nick a piece for them,” Banner said, adding that now he would only get as much at 75 cents a pound.
While Hines spoke to Banner in a loud slow tone, the prosecutor continued to nod along with the witness.
Banner said he found a gun in a trash bin and put it in his General Motors lunch box.
The retiree also identified a brown pouch he found with the gun.
Prosecutors say FBI investigators found a white powder that tested positive for cocaine on the pouch years after it was found.
Hines asked the 80-year-old if anyone in his house used cocaine.
“No,” Banner said.
---
### Author:  [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1253 "2024-06-06T21:59:47Z")
Per cnn:
Court is done for the day in the Hunter Biden trial in Wilmington, Delaware, and will resume Friday at 9 a.m. ET.
Prosecutors have two more witnesses – an FBI chemist and a drug expert from the DEA. They expect to rest their case after that.
Defense attorney Abbe Lowell said he might have two or three witnesses for the defense case and that he hasn’t decided yet on whether Hunter Biden will take the stand.
---
### Author:  [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1254 "2024-06-06T22:01:55Z")
Just based on what you’re offering up here (thanks, as always!), I’m not hearing conviction.
I think I’m hearing reasonable doubt (or jury nullification).
Anybody think differently?
---
### Author:  [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1255 "2024-06-06T22:08:24Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#):
>
> Just based on what you’re offering up here (thanks, as always!), I’m not hearing conviction.
>
> I think I’m hearing reasonable doubt (or jury nullification).
>
> Anybody think differently ?
I agree there seems to be more than typical chance of an acquittal. However, most criminal cases to result in conviction, so we have to factor that it.
Bottom line, I would not be surprised either way. If I were on the jury, I’d have a reasonable doubt (based on following the case, but obviously not in the courtroom for the whole thing)
---
### Author:  [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1256 "2024-06-06T22:12:45Z")
I’m thinking the jury may go not guilty…
The team USA has proof that he used illegal drugs, they have not proven that he was using drugs at the time of purchase. The question has wiggle room in it.
---
### Author:  [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1257 "2024-06-06T22:26:55Z")
> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> So, HB prosecution really is politically motivated. He also “forgot” to pay taxes- but then paid them all off with interest and penalties. If you are accused of Tax Fraud, but you agree that you did it, and pay it off- you just dont go to prison for that (unless you led others into a tax protesting scheme). The deal was fair.
I agree with this.
I’m bothered by the fact that Joe Biden gets credit with people who value integrity for _demonstrating_ integrity (by declining to influence DOJ to treat his son differently: more fairly than he’s being treated now, in some interpretations).
But with MAGA people, Joe gets no credit for behaving with integrity by taking a hands-off approach to DOJ, even when his own family is involved. They don’t understand the concept of integrity. To them, what Joe is doing is merely “weak.”
---
### Author:  [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1258 "2024-06-06T22:28:16Z")
> [@Procrustus](#):
>
> However, most criminal cases to result in conviction, so we have to factor that it.
My understanding is that prosecutors hate to lose cases, wasting time and money, so generally won’t bring something to trial unless they’re really sure they will win, and so naturally most criminal trials will end in a guilty verdict.
This isn’t a case of a Trump-appointed prosecutor trying to score points is it? I’ve heard rumors of that sort but I generally dismiss such things since it sounds a little too conspiracy theory-ish for my comfort. No matter if it’s coming from the right or left.
---
### Author:  [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1259 "2024-06-06T22:46:10Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#):
>
> But with MAGA people, Joe gets no credit for behaving with integrity by taking a hands-off approach to DOJ, even when his own family is involved. They don’t understand the concept of integrity. To them, what Joe is doing is merely “weak.”
Not weak because remember they are _also_ saying the DOJ is weaponized.
So basically any democrat trial or impeachment hearing = proof that democrats are guilty
Republican trial or impeachment hearing = proof of weaponized justice system
---
### Author:  [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1260 "2024-06-06T23:06:04Z")
> [@Atamasama](#):
>
> This isn’t a case of a Trump-appointed prosecutor trying to score points is it? I’ve heard rumors of that sort but I generally dismiss such things since it sounds a little too conspiracy theory-ish for my comfort. No matter if it’s coming from the right or left.
It is brought by Trump appointed US Attorney that Biden didn’t replace to avoid the appearance of interference. That US Attorney has been appointed special counsel to look at Hunter’s case.
---
### Author:  [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2024, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1261 "2024-06-06T23:19:09Z")
> [@Atamasama](#):
>
> My understanding is that prosecutors hate to lose cases, wasting time and money, so generally won’t bring something to trial unless they’re really sure they will win, and so naturally most criminal trials will end in a guilty verdict.
>
> This isn’t a case of a Trump-appointed prosecutor trying to score points is it?
No, but the GOP congress put _a lot_ of pressure on this case. I think the prosecutor pretty much had to go ahead.
---
### Author:  [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)
#### Post date: [June 7, 2024, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964/1262 "2024-06-07T01:48:51Z")
> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> No, but the GOP congress put _a lot_ of pressure on this case.
What kind of pressure, I wonder? “Do it and you’re a shoe-in for Attorney General!”
[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964.md?page=62)
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunter-biden-investigation-thread-started-in-2019-hunter-pardoned-on-december-1-2024/840964.md?page=64)