The U.S. Attorney for Central California, E. Martin Estrada, testified before Congress, revealing that the prosecutor leading the investigation into Hunter Biden had the authority to pursue criminal tax charges in California. However, the prosecutor declined any partnership with Estrada’s office, according to CBS News records that have not been publicly released.
Estrada’s testimony contradicts claims made by IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley, who stated that David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware and now special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation, had said he was not the deciding person to bring charges in the case during an October 2022 meeting.
Estrada told the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee that he believed Weiss had been leading the investigation for several years and would bring charges if he deemed them appropriate. Two FBI officials involved in the investigation also stated that they did not recall Weiss saying he lacked the authority to pursue the case.
Estrada declined Weiss’ requests to partner as co-counsel in the prosecution, citing limited resources. However, he offered administrative support and office space to Weiss’ staff. The U.S. attorney’s office in Delaware declined to comment.
Republican-led congressional investigations into Hunter Biden’s finances and business ventures have focused on whether senior Biden administration officials obstructed or interfered with criminal probes into the president’s son.
IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, both involved in the Hunter Biden investigation, claimed they recommended federal charges against Hunter Biden after their tax investigation. They alleged intentional delays and preferential treatment in the federal probe, saying that prosecutors in Delaware could not pursue charges in other jurisdictions at the time.
David Weiss refuted Shapley’s claims in a letter to Congress, stating that he did not request special counsel status and was not prevented from pursuing charges outside of Delaware.
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Weiss as special counsel after Weiss expressed his belief that the investigation should continue in that capacity, allowing for greater autonomy. Former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, appointed by former Attorney General Bill Barr, testified that his office faced challenges in collaborating with the FBI during their investigation into Ukrainian corruption and Hunter Biden’s involvement with Burisma.
Brady mentioned reluctance and increased approval processes from the FBI during the investigative process.
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