Hunter Biden pleads guilty in tax case, avoiding a second trial

LOS ANGELES — President Joe Biden’s son Hunter pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges Thursday, a surprising turn that allows him to avoid a second criminal trial but still exposes him to significant prison time. U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi asked Hunter Biden in court if he understood a guilty plea would mean he could face up to 17 years in prison and fines of up to $1.3 million, and would lose the right to run for public office …